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.

1win вывод средств 1win вывод средств
I visit day-to-day a few web pages and websites to read articles or reviews, but this blog offers quality based writing.
заказ курсовых работ kupit-kursovuyu-62.ru .
Thanks to my father who shared with me concerning this blog, this website is really awesome.
написание курсовых работ на заказ цена kupit-kursovuyu-66.ru .
курсовые под заказ курсовые под заказ .
If anyone needs additional details, you can find more info here: more info
https://sertralineusa.com/# Sertraline USA
1вин лицензия 1win08754.help
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the
following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since
exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this
increase.
Guests on our website may explore a wide range of XXX media intended exclusively for mature audiences. Our XXX portal provides access to premium adult movies, exclusive picture sets, raw amateur recordings, and loop clips. Visitors can view instantly 4K adult content across numerous categories, including mature women, big boobs, blonde, brunette, ebony, latina, interracial, amateur, homemade, casting, cosplay, fetish, BDSM, roleplay, voyeur, public, threesome, group scenes, and additional trending categories. Our XXX archive features daily updates, ensuring that visitors always have access to most viewed scenes. You can also explore most popular categories based on views. All available materials are completely free and do not demand membership. There are no premium walls — simply press play. Our XXX site supports buffer-free playback across smartphone devices. Whether you are searching for softcore erotica or the recently added content, our platform aims to meet expectations. Explore thousands of porn stars and discover behind-the-scenes footage. Browse through tag-based navigation to quickly find specific kinks. Our database covers group encounters, along with cosplay outfits. We continuously expand our XXX collection to maintain a endless stream of porn clips. Dive into our adult world and enjoy nonstop streaming anytime. No login is necessary — just access and start watching instantly.
Guests on our website may discover a wide collection of explicit content intended strictly for 18+ viewers. Our XXX portal provides access to hardcore videos, erotic photo galleries, uncensored footage, and animated adult GIFs. Visitors can play full HD XXX movies across numerous genres, including MILF, natural curves, blonde, brunette, ebony, latina, interracial, amateur, homemade, casting, cosplay, fetish, BDSM, roleplay, voyeur, public, threesome, group scenes, and dozens of others. Our adult database features fresh content added regularly, ensuring that members always have access to most viewed scenes. You can also explore editor’s picks based on ratings. All provided materials are fully accessible at no cost and do not require registration. There are no premium walls — simply click and watch. Our adult streaming platform supports buffer-free playback across smartphone devices. Whether you are searching for classic adult movies or the latest releases, our adult network aims to meet expectations. Explore thousands of adult models and discover behind-the-scenes footage. Browse through tag-based navigation to quickly find favorite performers. Our collection covers couple scenes, along with fetish content. We continuously expand our adult catalog to maintain a huge database of XXX movies. Browse our adult world and enjoy nonstop streaming anytime. No sign-up is required — just access and stream without limits.
1вин зеркало Ош 1вин зеркало Ош
Users on our adult portal may explore a wide selection of adult entertainment intended exclusively for 18+ viewers. Our porn site provides access to full-length scenes, exclusive picture sets, uncensored footage, and loop clips. Visitors can watch online full HD XXX movies across numerous tags, including mature women, big boobs, blonde, brunette, ebony, latina, interracial, amateur, homemade, casting, cosplay, fetish, BDSM, roleplay, voyeur, public, threesome, group scenes, and dozens of others. Our adult database features daily updates, ensuring that members always have access to top rated videos. You can also explore recommended videos based on ratings. All available materials are fully accessible at no cost and do not need account creation. There are no hidden fees — simply click and watch. Our adult streaming platform supports fast streaming across desktop devices. Whether you are searching for classic adult movies or the newly uploaded videos, our portal aims to meet expectations. Explore thousands of cam girls and discover uncut versions. Browse through tag-based navigation to quickly find desired genres. Our collection covers straight porn, along with lingerie. We continuously expand our adult catalog to maintain a massive selection of porn clips. Explore our erotic collection and enjoy unlimited access anytime. No sign-up is necessary — just enter and stream without limits.
Adult viewers on our adult portal may come across a wide variety of adult entertainment intended exclusively for mature audiences. Our erotic website provides access to hardcore videos, erotic photo galleries, professional studio productions, and animated adult GIFs. Visitors can view instantly full HD XXX movies across numerous tags, including mature women, big boobs, blonde, brunette, ebony, latina, interracial, amateur, homemade, casting, cosplay, fetish, BDSM, roleplay, voyeur, public, threesome, group scenes, and dozens of others. Our XXX archive features new uploads every day, ensuring that users always have access to trending porn. You can also explore editor’s picks based on views. All hosted materials are completely free and do not demand membership. There are no subscriptions — simply press play. Our XXX site supports mobile compatibility across desktop devices. Whether you are searching for softcore erotica or the newly uploaded videos, our adult network aims to meet expectations. Explore thousands of porn stars and discover exclusive scenes. Browse through tag-based navigation to quickly find favorite performers. Our database covers group encounters, along with fetish content. We continuously expand our video repository to maintain a huge database of erotic films. Browse our XXX universe and enjoy unlimited access anytime. No verification is mandatory — just access and start watching instantly.
Howdy! This post could not be written any better! Reading through
this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
neurontin prescription: neurontin 100mg tablet – gabapentin online
промокод 1хбет
Users on our website may explore a wide selection of NSFW materials intended exclusively for mature audiences. Our adult platform provides access to premium adult movies, high-resolution images, uncensored footage, and short teaser previews. Visitors can watch online full HD XXX movies across numerous categories, including MILF, natural curves, blonde, brunette, ebony, latina, interracial, amateur, homemade, casting, cosplay, fetish, BDSM, roleplay, voyeur, public, threesome, group scenes, and additional trending categories. Our video library features daily updates, ensuring that visitors always have access to top rated videos. You can also explore editor’s picks based on user preferences. All hosted materials are completely free and do not demand membership. There are no premium walls — simply click and watch. Our XXX site supports mobile compatibility across smartphone devices. Whether you are searching for softcore erotica or the newly uploaded videos, our portal aims to deliver satisfaction. Explore thousands of professional performers and discover uncut versions. Browse through tag-based navigation to quickly find specific kinks. Our collection covers lesbian scenes, along with fetish content. We continuously expand our adult catalog to maintain a massive selection of erotic films. Dive into our adult world and enjoy unlimited access anytime. No login is required — just access and start watching instantly.
Длительный запой способен нанести непоправимый вред организму, привести к тяжелым нарушениям работы внутренних органов и поставить под угрозу жизнь пациента. В таких случаях необходимо срочное медицинское вмешательство, которое позволяет быстро стабилизировать состояние, вывести токсины и предотвратить развитие опасных осложнений. Клиника «ЗдоровьеНорм» в Краснодаре предлагает профессиональный вывод из запоя на дому, обеспечивая комплексное лечение с максимальной оперативностью и полной конфиденциальностью.
Узнать больше – врач вывод из запоя
Доставка цветов через интернет недорого
Цветы ко Дню учителя с доставкой
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved it for later!
1win служба поддержки Ош 1win служба поддержки Ош
https://www.revistadeortodoncia.com/images/pgs/?1xbet_promo_code_bonus.html
http://peshca.ru/_pma/pm/?1hbet_bonus_pri_registtracii_2020.html
1вин элсом вывод http://www.1win91762.help
Onlyplay на https://itartass.spb.ru быстрые игры.
zoloft tablet: generic for zoloft – zoloft pill
Зеркало 7k казино бонус держу в закладках.
выполнение курсовых выполнение курсовых .
愛海外版,专为华人打造的高清视频平台智能AI观看体验优化,支持全球加速观看。
Neuro Relief USA neurontin 600 mg tablet neurontin capsules 300mg
1win сайт 1win сайт
Hello there I am so happy I found your web site,
I really found you by accident, while I was
searching on Askjeeve for something else, Anyways I
am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a fantastic post and
a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all
at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added in your
RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a
lot more, Please do keep up the fantastic work.
Hi! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the fantastic work!
garipovbulat
Препараты подбираются строго индивидуально и могут включать:
Детальнее – vyzov vracha narkologa na dom moskva
заказать курсовую заказать курсовую .
I switched from another service because of the quick deposits and useful analytics.
This post is actually a fastidious one it assists new internet users, who are wishing in favor
of blogging.
Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a blog web site?
The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of
this your broadcast offered bright clear concept
Hey there this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
buy mexican anabolic steroids from mexico
References:
https://wikimapia.org/external_link?url=https://politecnicotafalla.educacion.navarra.es/web/pgs/?comprar_dianabol_2.html
Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot
of spam comments? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any assistance is very
much appreciated.
It’s an amazing article designed for all the web viewers; they will
take benefit from it I am sure.
Neuro Relief USA: Neuro Relief USA – neurontin 300 mg cost
Is Crown Casino online legit? – Australian players guide