Something a little different today. I signed up to take part in Tony Noland’s Great April Fool’s Day #FridayFlash Blogswap. Tony paired me up with Danielle La Paglia, who has in gracious silence endured my haphazard attempt at keeping to a deadline.
(Oy. Just be thankful you’re not my publisher.)
Danielle and I both wrote a story around the same prompt. I’m posting hers here, and she’s posting my story over on her blog. Tony gave us the following prompt to inspire our stories: “three free tickets to a movie.”
-TimK
Substitute
Sandy fingered the tickets in her coat pocket, sliding their slick backs together as she stared at the house. It had seemed like such a good idea when she’d stopped by the theater two days ago, but the thin slips of paper felt inadequate and meaningless now. What good were three free tickets when they’d lost so much? She thought of putting the car in drive and heading home, but John stepped onto the porch and waived. There was no turning back.
A gust of wind whipped her hair across her face as she stepped from the car. The icy blast beat against her exposed cheeks and sent a flurry of snowflakes into the car before she could slam the door shut. Even the wind knew it was a bad idea.
She ran to the shelter of the porch, hoping to sneak a quick hug from John, a small shot of courage and comfort to push her through. But Maddy shoved the screen door open and ushered her siblings onto the porch. Sorrow hung on them like a heavy cloak, paling their skin, darkening the shadows in their eyes. Even seven-year-old Emily had lost her sparkle. The bright pink smile she used to wear was a soft peach line tugged down at the corners.
Sandy knew she was a poor substitute for the mother they’d lost. She wasn’t trying to replace her. She only hoped to give them a break from the reality that had been forced upon them, even if it was only for a few hours. But seeing their somber expressions, she felt the sting of her mistake. Only time would make it better, not her, not this. She wanted to run, make a hasty retreat and leave them to what was left of their broken family, but John spoke.
“You girls behave and try to have a good time.” He hugged each one in turn then Maddy hustled them down the steps. “Thank you,” he said and squeezed Sandy’s hand. They’d been dating nearly a year and, despite the three-year-old divorce settlement, it was still hard on the girls. Sandy gave a weak smile then jogged to the car.
They rode in near silence to the theater. Each of Sandy’s attempts at conversation were shut down with a one-word answer or a half-hearted nod. Resigned to their silence, she turned on the radio and let the music try to warm the stale atmosphere instead.
As they stepped into the lobby, Emily and Sarah’s faces brightened. At seven and nine, they were amazed at the beauty of the grand theater, pointing to heavy velvet curtains held back with gold ropes and the scrolling wood ornaments decorating the walls. Then they lifted their faces in wonder at the elaborately painted ceiling. The knot in Sandy’s stomach loosened until her eyes met Maddy’s. The fourteen-year-old’s face was set in a cold stare. It took all of Sandy’s strength to stand her ground and force a smile.
An usher finally led them to their seats where they once again sat in silence with only the occasional whisper from the little ones pointing out some new discovery. The house lights eventually dimmed and a hush fell over the audience. The first bars of music filled the room. The curtain rose, and the ballerinas took the stage.
Emily and Sarah were spellbound. Their eyes glued to the dancers—children twirled across the stage, tin soldiers came to life, and a sugar plum fairy enchanted them all. The glow in their eyes raised a lump in Sandy’s throat. She’d done the right thing. And as the saying went, two out of three wasn’t bad.
Emily and Sarah’s giggles and high-pitched chatter filled the car on the ride home, a warm contrast to the start of their journey. When they pulled into the driveway, the wind had died, leaving a peaceful blanket of snow across the yard and roof top. The younger girls clutched their shiny red nutcrackers and hugged Sandy goodbye. Again Maddy ushered them through the door as John and Sandy stood on the porch.
“Thank you for this. Their smiles…” His voice cracked; tears glistened in his eyes.
“You’re welcome.” He kissed her cheek then followed the girls inside. She was almost to the car when the screen door slammed behind her. She spun to find Maddy jogging down the steps.
“Sandy?” Her face was softer, her eyes wider, more innocent somehow.
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.” Maddy gave a soft smile then ran back into the house.
Sandy stood beside her car letting the words of a child warm her. Today wasn’t a substitute, but it had been a welcome reprieve, and that was more than enough for her.

艾一帆海外版,专为华人打造的高清视频官方认证平台,支持全球加速观看。
Wow! This is a cool platform. They really do have the reliable uptime. The dashboard gives a complete view of my holdings.
canadian pharmacy 24 com: buying from canadian pharmacies – Smart GenRx USA
pferderennen sport wetten tipps heute (Georgianna) schweiz
Этот информационный набор привлекает внимание множеством мелочей и странных ракурсов. Мы предлагаем взгляды, которые редко бывают полезны, но могут слегка разнообразить ваше знакомство с темой.
Вот – секс
超人和露易斯第一季高清完整官方版,海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
https://sertralineusa.com/# generic for zoloft
Hi, I really enjoy your blog! I’ve been looking for more information on jewelry trends 2026 and your article is the best I’ve found.
I especially love personalized jewelry and your perspective is perfect.
Looking forward to your next update! Cheers, Vania.
1win промо код 1win промо код
Hi there, every time i used to check weblog posts here early in the dawn, for the reason that i like to gain knowledge of more and more.
Wow, amazing blog structure! How lengthy have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The total glance of your website is fantastic, as well as the content!
I just couldn’t leave your web site prior to suggesting that I really loved the standard info a person provide to your visitors? Is going to be again incessantly to check out new posts
iyf.tv海外华人首选,采用机器学习个性化推荐,提供最新华语剧集、美剧、日剧等高清在线观看。
After I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked on the -Notify
me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I
get four emails with the exact same comment. Is there an easy method
you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!
my site :: прогон хрумером для SEO
canada pharmacy not requiring prescription: Smart GenRx USA – Smart GenRx USA
Yes! Finally something about read this.
ремонт фасадов в москве rekonstrukcziya-zdanij-1.ru .
Crypto Online Casino Australia Bitcoin Options
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure
whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You’re incredible! Thanks!