Photo © 2011 Gerald Pereira CC BY 2.0
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.
Кодирование не является чудесным выключателем тяги, но оно может стать сильным инструментом, который помогает закрепить решение бросить пить и даёт организму время восстановиться. Врач формирует у пациента устойчивую установку на отказ от алкоголя и подкрепляет её медикаментозно или психотерапевтически. При этом важен не только сам факт процедуры, но и то, как она встроена в общий план лечения: была ли проведена детоксикация, есть ли поддерживающая терапия, подключена ли реабилитация, работает ли семья с собственным выгоранием и созависимостью. Именно поэтому обращение за кодированием по месту жительства в Королёве удобно: можно не только выполнить саму процедуру, но и организовать наблюдение, при необходимости скорректировать тактику, не уезжая далеко от дома.
Получить дополнительные сведения – https://kodirovanie-ot-alkogolizma-korolyov11.ru/ehffektivnoe-kodirovanie-ot-alkogolizma-v-korolyove
http://uspharmaindex.com/# best value pharmacy
Yes! Finally someone writes about ROSH.
You could certainly see your skills within the article you write.
The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.
Always follow your heart.
This is my first time visit at here and i am truly pleassant to
read everthing at one place.
This is a very informative post about online casinos and betting platforms.
I especially liked how it explains the importance of choosing a secure site before registering.
Many players often ask where to find reliable gaming platforms with fair odds and smooth
withdrawals. In my experience, checking platforms like milyon88games.com helps users understand what features to look for in a legit online casino.
Thanks for sharing these insights — they’re useful for both beginners and experienced players.
«Оренбург» вернулся в элиту российского футбола и сыграет в РПЛ-2025/26. Какие обстоятельства привели к этому решению — подробнее здесь: https://kulturologia.ru/blogs/231225/66735
Buy generic 100mg Viagra online: Order Viagra 50 mg online – viagra without prescription
https://theomnibuzz.com/how-nigerian-bettors-use-bet-code-converter-successfully
US Pharma Index: legit pharmacy websites – online pharmacy usa
забор серпухов цена
QQ88 – Cổng game cá cược trực tuyến uy tín với hệ sinh thái Thể thao, Live Casino, Nổ hũ, Bắn cá và Đá gà. Nền tảng ổn định, giao dịch nhanh, ưu đãi mỗi ngày.
Использование автоматизированных систем дозирования обеспечивает точное введение лекарственных средств, что минимизирует риск передозировки и побочных эффектов. Постоянный мониторинг жизненно важных показателей позволяет врачу оперативно корректировать дозировки и адаптировать терапию под динамику состояния пациента.
Получить дополнительную информацию – наркологический вывод из запоя в владимире
You could certainly see your expertise within the article you write.
The arena hopes for even more passionate writers
such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe.
At all times follow your heart.
Unquestionably believe that that you said. Your favourite
reason appeared to be on the net the easiest factor to take
into account of. I say to you, I definitely
get irked while people think about issues that they just don’t realize about.
You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and also outlined
out the whole thing with no need side-effects , other people can take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people in this particular subject, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
I am genuinely pleased to glance at this website posts which carries lots
of useful data, thanks for providing these
information.
Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive
a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.
I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the challenges.
It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.
Thank you for sharing!
https://sildenafilpriceguide.shop/# buy viagra here
Save 30% on authentic NFL jerseys, NCAA football jerseys, and hockey jerseys at Kyle’s Football Cards on eBay.
Shop rare sports collectibles, Nike Vapor Limited jerseys,
and stitched team gear with fast, secure shipping.
Use code KYLEFAN30 for limited-time savings on premium sports memorabilia and
fan apparel.
apuestas cuartos eurocopa
my site Basketball-wetten.com
당신은 대회에 참여해야 합니다. 가장 유용한
웹사이트 중 하나로! 저는 강력히 이 블로그를 강력히 추천합니다!
Hi there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to check it out.
I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and will
be tweeting this to my followers! Fantastic blog and brilliant design and style.
Sildenafil 100mg price Cheap Sildenafil 100mg Viagra tablet online
Hello there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll definitely
digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this website.