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.
заказать отчет по практике срочно купить отчет по производственной практике
http://raskapotek.com/# bestille medisiner
Papa Farma: cuanto es 35.000 pesos en euros – Papa Farma
Rask Apotek: Rask Apotek – sГёndagsГҐpent apotek
http://raskapotek.com/# narkotest apotek
Looking for peer support during detox or rehab? Check out this active recovery forum.
See more – alcoholism help community
Svenska Pharma snabb leverans apotek Svenska Pharma
https://efarmaciait.shop/# flexiban senza ricetta
Наркологическое лечение на дому начинается с приезда врача в течение 30-60 минут после вызова. Специалист проводит первичную диагностику состояния пациента, включая измерение артериального давления, пульса и уровня кислорода в крови, а также общую оценку тяжести интоксикации. Затем врач подбирает оптимальный состав лекарств для детоксикационной капельницы, которая эффективно очищает организм от токсинов, восстанавливает водно-солевой баланс и нормализует работу внутренних органов.
Получить дополнительные сведения – http://narcolog-na-dom-sochi00.ru
Hi I am so happy I found your weblog, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Bing for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a marvelous post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic jo.
tadalafil teva 5 mg online
Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or emotional recovery — this space offers guidance and support.
Expand your knowledge – [url=https://forum4rehab.com/viewforum.php?f=27]online help for staying clean from drugs[/url]
дипломы на заказ https://diplomsdayu.ru
займы онлайн без проверок https://zajmy-onlajn.ru
Pharma Confiance: hГ©morroГЇdes chat – Pharma Confiance
pharmacie d garde Pharma Confiance Pharma Confiance
Своевременное обращение к специалисту позволяет избежать опасных осложнений и облегчить процесс восстановления организма. Экстренный вызов врача-нарколога необходим в следующих случаях:
Подробнее тут – [url=https://narcolog-na-dom-krasnodar00.ru/]narcolog-na-dom-krasnodar00.ru/[/url]
написание отчета по практике на заказ написать отчет по практике цена
Pharma Jetzt: apothke online – PharmaJetzt
написать реферат на заказ https://referatymehanika.ru
https://pharmajetzt.com/# online apotheke deutschland
http://pharmaconfiance.com/# pharmacy online france
Команда врачей клиники “Чистый Путь” состоит из квалифицированных специалистов в области наркологии с обширным опытом работы. Каждый врач обладает глубокими знаниями в фармакологии, психофармакологии и психотерапии, регулярно повышает свою квалификацию на профильных конференциях и семинарах, чтобы использовать в своей практике самые современные и эффективные методы лечения.
Узнать больше – https://срочно-вывод-из-запоя.рф/vyvod-iz-zapoya-anonimno-v-chelyabinske.xn--p1ai/
medikamente usa online bestellen: shop apoth – cantura akut 12 apotheke
Pharma Connect USA Nortriptyline online pharmacy diflucan
netherlands online pharmacy: Medicijn Punt – pharmacy online netherlands
Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or emotional recovery — this space offers guidance and support.
Discover more – how to get off drugs online support
https://pharmaconfiance.com/# Pharma Confiance
Своевременное обращение к специалисту позволяет избежать опасных осложнений и облегчить процесс восстановления организма. Экстренный вызов врача-нарколога необходим в следующих случаях:
Ознакомиться с деталями – https://narcolog-na-dom-krasnodar00.ru/vyzov-narkologa-na-dom-krasnodar
onlineapotheken: Pharma Jetzt – п»їonline apotheke
propecia proscar men’s pharmacy PharmaConnectUSA Pharma Connect USA
проверка займов онлайн zajmy-onlajn.ru/
выполню контрольные работы контрольная работа на заказ студент сервис
Pharma Connect USA: the drug store pharmacy columbus ohio – PharmaConnectUSA
https://pharmaconnectusa.shop/# PharmaConnectUSA
Hello! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
Weapon
https://medicijnpunt.com/# Medicijn Punt
Капельница от запоя — это комплексная процедура, направленная на быстрое выведение токсинов, нормализацию обменных процессов и восстановление жизненно важных функций организма. Врачи-наркологи подбирают индивидуальный состав капельницы, исходя из состояния пациента. В стандартный набор препаратов обычно входят:
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – вызвать капельницу от запоя на дому в сочи
You’re not alone. Connect with others who understand what addiction recovery really takes.
Explore further – post-rehab support forum
MedicijnPunt Medicijn Punt MedicijnPunt
Pharma Jetzt: bad steben apotheke – PharmaJetzt
Команда клиники “Аура Здоровья” состоит из опытных и квалифицированных врачей-наркологов, обладающих глубокими знаниями фармакологии и психотерапии. Они регулярно повышают свою квалификацию, участвуя в профессиональных конференциях и семинарах, чтобы применять самые эффективные методы лечения.
Изучить вопрос глубже – https://медицинский-вывод-из-запоя.рф/vyvod-iz-zapoya-anonimno-v-rostove-na-donu.xn--p1ai
purchase adipex from an online pharmacy: rite aid pharmacy store locator – wall drug store
http://pharmajetzt.com/# Pharma Jetzt
This is the right site for anyone who really wants to understand this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a topic that has been discussed for a long time. Great stuff, just excellent!
Dismemberment
При длительном запое в организме накапливаются вредные токсины, что ведёт к нарушениям работы сердца, печени, почек и других жизненно важных органов. Чем быстрее начинается терапия, тем выше шансы избежать серьёзных осложнений и обеспечить качественное восстановление. Метод капельничного лечения позволяет оперативно начать детоксикацию, что особенно важно для спасения жизни и предупреждения хронических последствий злоупотребления алкоголем.
Подробнее можно узнать тут – https://kapelnica-ot-zapoya-tyumen00.ru/kapelnicza-ot-zapoya-na-domu-czena-tyumen/
Особое внимание в клинике уделяется предотвращению рецидивов. Мы обучаем пациентов навыкам управления стрессом и эмоциональной стабильности, помогая формировать здоровые привычки. Это способствует долгосрочному восстановлению и снижает вероятность возвращения к зависимости.
Подробнее – https://медицинский-вывод-из-запоя.рф/
п»їmedicijnen bestellen Medicijn Punt medicijn recept
apotgeek: Medicijn Punt – frenadol kopen in nederland
https://pharmaconnectusa.shop/# PharmaConnectUSA
Pharma Confiance: sildenafil medicament – Pharma Confiance