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.

Great platform with fast transactions — it made my crypto journey easier. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.
Зайди на официальный сайт компании
What’s up, just wanted to tell you, I liked this blog post.
It was helpful. Keep on posting!
sportwetten anbieter paysafecard
My homepage :: Wettseite EröFfnen
online wetten ohne verifizierung
Here is my webpage … alle wettanbieter; http://Www.galaco.se,
Good post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
It’s always useful to read through articles from other
writers and practice something from other web sites.
This design is steller! You obviously know how
to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved
to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job.
I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it.
Too cool!
online sportwetten legal
My page: buchmacher kurse beim rennsport
mercedes v class аренда с водителем Трансферы по Москве на минивэне премиум-класса – это символ высокого статуса и безупречного стиля, а аренда Mercedes-Benz V-Class с водителем подчеркнет ваше стремление к совершенству в каждой детали.
zoloft medication: generic for zoloft – sertraline
2ahukewipubipvmvnahuy7p4khwr8cqaq4lyoanoecaeqfw|the best steroids for muscle growth
References:
http://okprint.kz/user/malletrice5/
выполнение курсовых выполнение курсовых .
1win как вывести через мегапей https://1win91762.help
курсовой проект купить цена kupit-kursovuyu-66.ru .
https://neuroreliefusa.com/# neurontin online
pharmacy express: top mail order pharmacies – Smart GenRx USA
The testing new tokens process is simple and the intuitive UI makes it even better. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.
spark dex SparkDex is redefining decentralized trading with speed, security, and real earning potential. On spark dex, you keep full control of your assets while enjoying fast swaps and low fees. Powered by sparkdex ai, the platform delivers smarter insights and optimized performance for confident decision-making. Trade, earn from liquidity, and grow your crypto portfolio with sparkdex — the future of DeFi starts here.
онлайн сервис помощи студентам онлайн сервис помощи студентам .
перестал работать втб онлайн http://www.vtb-ne-rabotaet.ru .
If you want to grow your know-how simply keep visiting this web page and be updated with the most recent information posted here.
超人和露易斯第三季高清完整官方版,海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
What’s up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this post i thought i could also make comment due to this sensible paragraph.
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after
browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
Hi there to every body, it’s my first go to see of this website;
this weblog carries remarkable and in fact good stuff in favor of readers.
сыроедческие торты и пироги http://www.rawrussia.ru/ .
This post is in fact a pleasant one it assists new the
web visitors, who are wishing in favor of blogging.
I just like the helpful info you supply on your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and take a look at again right here regularly.
I am fairly certain I will be told plenty of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the following!
Hi, I read your blog on a regular basis. Your
writing style is awesome, keep up the good work!
Your style is unique in comparison to other folks I’ve read stuff from.
Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will
just bookmark this web site.
Найдите идеальное событие — от музыкальных шоу до спортивных игр — и оформите билет онлайн с доставкой на email за пару минут. Подробнее здесь: https://justpaste.it/lhq4o
выполнение курсовых выполнение курсовых .
Бонус за депозит в casino 7k онлайн щедрый.
Доступ через https://demotivs.ru всегда открыт.
Simply wish to say your article is as amazing. The clearness to your put up is just
nice and that i can suppose you are a professional in this subject.
Well together with your permission let me to grasp your feed to keep updated with imminent
post. Thank you a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.
Very good post. I’m facing many of these issues as well..
экскурсии на теплоходе по москве реке Речные экскурсии Москва
заказать дипломную работу в москве kupit-kursovuyu-62.ru .
Basketball livescore for NBA and international leagues, every basket tracked live