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.
stayupdatedwithtrends – Navigation is slick, finding what’s new is easy and quick.
growyourbusinessfast – Tone is motivational yet practical, not overhyped.
I was skeptical, but after a month of providing liquidity, the reliable uptime convinced me. Support solved my issue in minutes.
makeimpactwithideas – Helpful tools and sections make it worthwhile to stay and explore.
makingeverymomentcount – Visuals support messages beautifully — touches of calm and inspiration.
makelifebettereveryday – Feels like a place to find everyday inspiration and small wins.
официальный сайт ПокерОК
ПокерОК
buy viagra: buy sildenafil tablets UK – Viagra online UK
learnshareandsucceed – Resources and guides are easy to locate, menus intuitive and helpful.
expandyourhorizons – Navigation looks intuitive, discovering new ideas seems smooth.
LearnWithConfidence – Their guides are thorough, I learned so much in minutes.
discoveramazingstories – Liked the tone, seems real stories not just fluff for clicks.
alphaimpact – Navigation intuitive, menus work smoothly without confusion.
TogetherWeCreateChange – I appreciate how organized everything is, really saves time browsing.
GrowWithConfidenceHere – The tutorials are concise, learning new skills has never been easier honestly.
BuildABetterTomorrow – I appreciate how they focus on sustainable solutions for all.
YourPathOfGrowth – I love how they integrate technology into their initiatives.
CreateInspireAndGrow – I find the tutorials engaging and easy to follow along.
YourTrustedSourceOnline – Their commitment to social impact is truly commendable.
https://www.languagedirect.org/w3/
BuildSomethingMeaningful – I’m excited to see the positive changes they are driving.
микрозайм онлайн
Постоянно пользуюсь этим сервисом для срочных нужд. Никаких проблем: всегда быстро и без отказов. Оформляю микрозайм онлайн, и через пару минут получаю одобрение. Деньги приходят мгновенно, условия без процентов радуют. Рекомендую всем.
SimpleWaysToBeHappy – A great reminder to find joy in the little things.
вывод из запоя
vivod-iz-zapoya-cherepovec014.ru
вывод из запоя цена
joinourcreativecommunity – Designs are vibrant and personable, I enjoy scrolling through.
live session
YourPathOfGrowth – The resources here are perfect for anyone looking to make a change.
joinourcreativecommunity – Easy to navigate, sections are laid out so clearly.
J’adore l’ambiance de Locowin Casino, ca procure un plaisir intense. Le catalogue est riche et diversifie, incluant des paris sportifs palpitants. Pour un demarrage en force. Le service est disponible 24/7, joignable a toute heure. Les transactions sont fiables et rapides, cependant plus de promos regulieres seraient top. En bref, Locowin Casino est une plateforme qui dechire pour ceux qui aiment parier en crypto ! Notons aussi le site est rapide et attrayant, ajoute une touche de confort. Particulierement interessant le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, propose des avantages personnalises.
Apprendre aujourd’hui|
Je suis epate par Locowin Casino, c’est une plateforme qui bouillonne d’energie. Les options sont incroyablement vastes, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Le bonus de bienvenue est attractif. Le support client est exceptionnel, avec une aide precise et rapide. Les paiements sont securises et fluides, parfois quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient cool. Pour conclure, Locowin Casino offre une experience memorable pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! Notons aussi l’interface est intuitive et stylee, facilite une immersion totale. Un autre atout majeur les options de paris sportifs variees, assure des transactions fiables.
En savoir davantage|
YourPathOfGrowth – This platform is a valuable tool for community leaders.
thebestplacetostarttoday – Design is welcoming and warm, draws me in gently.
J’ai un coup de foudre pour Locowin Casino, ca procure un plaisir intense. Le catalogue est riche et diversifie, offrant des sessions live dynamiques. Pour un demarrage en force. Le support client est exceptionnel, avec une aide precise et rapide. Les transactions sont fiables et rapides, de temps en temps des bonus plus varies seraient bienvenus. Dans l’ensemble, Locowin Casino vaut largement le detour pour les fans de casino en ligne ! En prime le site est rapide et attrayant, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Particulierement interessant les tournois reguliers pour la competition, propose des avantages personnalises.
Essayer d’explorer|
LearnWithConfidence – I keep returning, each module adds valuable insights every time.
J’adore l’eclat vibrant de Casinia Casino, ca transporte dans un palais scintillant. L’eventail de jeux est resplendissant, proposant des jeux de table raffines. Illuminant l’experience de jeu. Le service est disponible 24/7, garantissant un service etincelant. Les transactions sont fiables et rapides, mais des recompenses additionnelles seraient scintillantes. Dans l’ensemble, Casinia Casino est une plateforme qui illumine le jeu pour les aficionados de jeux modernes ! A noter la plateforme scintille comme une etoile, ajoute une touche de splendeur. Un atout cle les tournois reguliers pour la rivalite, qui renforce l’engagement.
AccГ©der Г la page|
makingeverymomentcount – Design feels warm and personal, very inviting experience.
J’adore l’eclat vibrant de Casinia Casino, ca distille un plaisir eclatant. La diversite des titres est eblouissante, proposant des jeux de table raffines. L’offre de bienvenue est eclatante. L’assistance est rapide et precise, joignable a toute heure. Les paiements sont securises et fluides, parfois plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient de l’eclat. En somme, Casinia Casino offre une experience inoubliable pour les joueurs en quete d’eclat ! En bonus la navigation est intuitive comme une lueur, ce qui rend chaque session plus eclatante. Particulierement captivant les paiements securises en crypto, propose des recompenses sur mesure.
Voir la page d’accueil|
learnshareandsucceed – Navigation is clear, I easily found a section I liked.
Je suis epate par Locowin Casino, ca procure un plaisir intense. La variete des titres est impressionnante, incluant des paris sportifs palpitants. Doublement des depots jusqu’a 1850 €. Le suivi client est irreprochable, offrant des reponses claires. Les retraits sont ultra-rapides, de temps en temps des recompenses supplementaires seraient un atout. Pour conclure, Locowin Casino vaut largement le detour pour les joueurs en quete d’excitation ! En prime la plateforme est visuellement top, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. Un plus non negligeable le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
Lire plus loin|
Je suis accro a Locowin Casino, il offre une experience unique. Le catalogue est riche et diversifie, offrant des sessions live dynamiques. Accompagne de tours gratuits sans wager. Le service est disponible 24/7, toujours pret a aider. Les retraits sont ultra-rapides, mais plus de promos regulieres seraient top. En resume, Locowin Casino offre une experience memorable pour ceux qui aiment parier en crypto ! Notons aussi la navigation est simple et agreable, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Egalement appreciable le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, offre des recompenses continues.
Obtenir les bonus|
J’adore l’eclat vibrant de Casinia Casino, on ressent une aura radieuse. Il y a une profusion de jeux envoutants, proposant des jeux de table raffines. Illuminant l’experience de jeu. Le suivi est irreprochable, garantissant un service etincelant. Le processus est lisse et elegant, parfois quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient lumineux. Dans l’ensemble, Casinia Casino est une plateforme qui illumine le jeu pour les joueurs en quete d’eclat ! Par ailleurs le design est moderne et eblouissant, incite a prolonger l’aventure. Un atout cle les evenements communautaires captivants, propose des recompenses sur mesure.
Cliquer maintenant|
getreadytoexplore – Love the adventurous tone here, makes me want to dive in.
J’adore l’ambiance de Locowin Casino, ca procure un plaisir intense. Le catalogue est riche et diversifie, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Amplifiant l’experience initiale. Le service est disponible 24/7, joignable a toute heure. Les gains arrivent sans delai, parfois des bonus plus varies seraient bienvenus. Pour conclure, Locowin Casino est un incontournable pour les joueurs pour les passionnes de jeux modernes ! Notons aussi le site est rapide et attrayant, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. Un autre atout majeur les options de paris sportifs variees, qui booste l’engagement.
Cliquer et aller|
makelifebettereveryday – I’d come here often for tips that actually make a positive difference.
findwhatyouarelookingfor – Visuals support the message well, nothing feels out of place.
J’adore l’ambiance de Locowin Casino, on ressent une vibe delirante. Les options sont incroyablement vastes, proposant des jeux de table immersifs. Accompagne de tours gratuits sans wager. Le suivi client est irreprochable, offrant des reponses claires. Les gains arrivent sans delai, mais quelques tours gratuits en plus seraient cool. En resume, Locowin Casino vaut largement le detour pour les amateurs de sensations fortes ! De plus le design est moderne et fluide, donne envie de prolonger l’experience. Un autre atout majeur les options de paris sportifs variees, renforce le sentiment de communaute.
Ouvrir le site maintenant|
Je suis accro a Locowin Casino, ca procure un plaisir intense. Les options sont incroyablement vastes, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Le bonus de bienvenue est attractif. L’assistance est efficace et pro, avec une aide precise et rapide. Les transactions sont fiables et rapides, mais plus de promos regulieres seraient top. Au final, Locowin Casino est une plateforme qui dechire pour les fans de casino en ligne ! En prime la plateforme est visuellement top, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Particulierement interessant les tournois reguliers pour la competition, assure des transactions fiables.
DГ©couvrir le guide|
everythingaboutsuccess – Pages load fast, even with media heavy sections.
learnsomethingneweveryday – Visual elements are engaging but don’t distract from the content.
J’adore l’eclat vibrant de Casinia Casino, ca distille un plaisir eclatant. Il y a une profusion de jeux envoutants, avec des slots aux designs audacieux et thematiques. Renforcant votre tresor initial. Le service est disponible 24/7, joignable a toute heure. Le processus est lisse et elegant, neanmoins quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient lumineux. Au final, Casinia Casino merite une exploration eblouissante pour les aficionados de jeux modernes ! Ajoutons que le design est moderne et eblouissant, ce qui rend chaque session plus eclatante. Particulierement captivant les tournois reguliers pour la rivalite, propose des recompenses sur mesure.
DГ©couvrir|