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.
missouriland – Just visited this site, looks clean but content still sparse.
I was skeptical, but after a week of trading, the robust security convinced me.
I’ve been active for recently, mostly for trading, and it’s always intuitive UI.
buy cheap propecia: Best place to buy propecia – buy propecia
Откройте секреты счастливого детства с качественными товарами от TykePop.
Зацепил материал про Советы по уходу за редкими домашними растениями.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://raregreen.ru
Ждем вас снова, чтобы рассказать еще больше о наших продуктах и предложениях для малышей.
Откройте для себя удивительный ассортимент детских товаров, которые подарят радость и комфорт вашему малышу!
Между прочим, если вас интересует Как построить внутреннюю устойчивость с Лизой Мартин, загляните сюда.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://pravoedelomos.ru
Ждем вас снова, чтобы рассказать еще больше о наших продуктах и предложениях для малышей.
Домашний формат уместен при лёгкой и средней абстиненции, когда есть поддержка семьи и соблюдается режим. Врач осматривает, проводит процедуры, оставляет пошаговые рекомендации на сутки и список «красных флажков». Если состояние требует наблюдения 24/7, организуем перевод в стационар без задержек.
Получить дополнительные сведения – http://narkologicheskaya-klinika-mytishchi0.ru/chastnaya-narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-mytishchah/
семейный психотерапевт Запись к психотерапевту Запись к психотерапевту – это первый шаг на пути к решению психологических проблем и улучшению качества жизни. Сегодня существует множество способов записаться на консультацию: онлайн-платформы, сайты частных практик, рекомендации знакомых или врачей. При выборе психотерапевта важно учитывать его квалификацию, опыт работы, специализацию и отзывы других пациентов. Перед записью полезно связаться с психотерапевтом по телефону или электронной почте, чтобы задать интересующие вопросы и убедиться, что он подходит именно вам.
https://regrowrxonline.com/# Best place to buy propecia
Вас интересуют лучшие товары для детей? Узнайте, почему продукция от TykePop заслуживает вашего внимания.
Между прочим, если вас интересует Свежие и эксклюзивные новости Евразии и мира, загляните сюда.
Смотрите сами:
https://komandor-povolje.ru
Ждем вас снова, чтобы рассказать еще больше о наших продуктах и предложениях для малышей.
Добро пожаловать в мир лучших детских товаров с TykePop, где здоровье и счастье ваших малышей — наши главные приоритеты.
Между прочим, если вас интересует Специалист по ремонту и установке кондиционеров в вашем районе, загляните сюда.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://aras-mebel.ru
Благодарим за внимание, и пусть ваши детки всегда будут здоровы и счастливы вместе с TykePop!
программа реабилитации наркозависимых в Астане
reabilitaciya-astana009.ru
центр реабилитация алкоголиков в Астане
v1av8 – I hope this becomes clearer; it shows potential with refined execution.
v1av8 – Clean design elements, yet missing messaging that anchors the site.
zonaflix – Really impressed by the variety here, looks well organized and clean.
zonaflix – Content updates seem regular, I noticed new uploads today itself.
Как выбрать лучшее для вашего ребенка? Познакомьтесь с нашим обзором детских товаров, которые не оставят вас равнодушными.
По теме “ОШИБКА: Некорректный URL.”, там просто кладезь информации.
Ссылка ниже:
https://всеоопт.рф
Надеемся, наш обзор помог вам сделать правильный выбор. До новых встреч в мире детских товаров!
Порадуйте себя и своего ребенка отличными товарами от TykePop — уникальными, практичными и безопасными.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Советы и тренды путешествий: Всё об отелях”, есть отличная статья.
Вот, можете почитать:
https://hotelnews.ru
Желаем вам и вашим детям приятных покупок и незабываемых моментов с TykePop!
22ee.top – The homepage is simple, makes me curious to scroll further.
22ee.top – Fast loading too, that’s always a plus for me.
Clomid price: Buy Clomid online – Generic Clomid
chinh-sua-anh.online – The contact form works well, got a reply quickly last time.
chinh-sua-anh.online – Fast loading pages and responsive design, good work all around.
I really like what you guys tend to be up too.
This sort of clever work and exposure! Keep up the awesome
works guys I’ve added you guys to blogroll.
Hi terrific website! Does running a blog such as this require a lot of work?
I’ve absolutely no knowledge of computer
programming however I had been hoping to start my own blog
soon. Anyhow, should you have any recommendations or
tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off subject nevertheless I simply had to ask.
Kudos!
sexscene.info/ Thanks for content
Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard
on. Any tips?
Выездной нарколог — это эффективное решение для тех, кто нуждается в срочной помощи . Служба наркологической помощи, представленная на сайте narkolog-tula027.ru, предлагает круглосуточные услуги, что особенно актуально в сложных обстоятельствах. Вызов врача на дом позволяет пациенту получить анонимное лечение без дополнительных переживаний. При обращении за помощью специалистов важна консультация нарколога , которая включает диагностику состояния и разработку индивидуального плана лечения . Лечение алкогольной зависимости и наркомании начинается с очищения организма, что помогает вывести вредные вещества. Поддержка семьи играет важнейшее значение в восстановлении после зависимости . Психотерапевтическое вмешательство способствует осознанию корней проблемы и снижению риска повторного срыва. Реабилитация наркоманов и алкоголиков обеспечивает комплексный подход к лечению и профилактике зависимостей .
sexscene.info/ Very best website
22ee.top – It’s responsive on mobile, which I appreciate for convenience.
zonaflix – The quality is surprisingly decent, haven’t seen many issues so far.
Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your
affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
lovemoda.store – Fast loading time is impressive, promising for an e-commerce site.
I have learn a few excellent stuff here.
Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot
attempt you set to create the sort of magnificent informative web site.
lovemoda.store – I’ll check back when they list their bestsellers or deals.
forexplatform.website – The trading tips here are practical and not just theory stuff.
manchunyuan1.xyz – Great resource, I’ve learned something new each time I visit.
Just desire to say your article is as astounding.
The clarity in your publish is simply nice
and that i could think you are knowledgeable on this subject.
Well along with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to stay up to date with coming near near post.
Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work.
forexplatform.website – Excellent blog, feels like a friendly mentor guiding through forex trading.
manchunyuan1.xyz – Friendly tone and helpful insights, feels like a personal blog.
52ch.cc – Nice content, feels like the writers care about quality.
My partner and I stumbled over here different
website and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you.
Look forward to checking out your web page again.
52ch.cc – This site seems to cover a lot of topics, quite impressive indeed.
Как выбрать лучшее для вашего ребенка? Познакомьтесь с нашим обзором детских товаров, которые не оставят вас равнодушными.
Между прочим, если вас интересует Ваш гид в мире настольных игр и стратегий, посмотрите сюда.
Смотрите сами:
https://minjust70.ru
Если у вас возникли вопросы или пожелания, наша команда всегда готова помочь. До скорых встреч!
Вас интересуют лучшие товары для детей? Узнайте, почему продукция от TykePop заслуживает вашего внимания.
Особенно понравился раздел про Обсуждаем последние тренды Forex и криптовалют.
Смотрите сами:
https://fifact.ru
Если у вас возникли вопросы или пожелания, наша команда всегда готова помочь. До скорых встреч!
Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your
post is just nice and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.
greenenvelope.org – Looks like a fresh domain, I hope they post something useful soon.
keledh.pw – I’ll revisit later to see what they’ve built out.
zkjcnm.top – Curious to see what topics or services they’ll add later.
Having read this I believed it was really informative.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this
informative article together. I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!