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.
Sou viciado em BETesporte Casino, e uma plataforma que pulsa com emocao atletica. As opcoes sao vastas como um campeonato, suportando jogos adaptados para criptos. Com uma oferta inicial para impulsionar. O servico esta disponivel 24/7, sempre pronto para o jogo. O processo e simples e direto, de vez em quando mais apostas gratis seriam incriveis. Em resumo, BETesporte Casino e uma plataforma que domina o campo para amantes de apostas esportivas ! Acrescentando que o site e veloz e envolvente, aumenta o prazer de apostar. Muito atrativo as opcoes variadas de apostas esportivas, proporciona vantagens personalizadas.
Ver os detalhes|
boldpartner – Bookmarking this site — feels like a partner in growth.
сколько стоит перепланировка в москве http://zakazat-proekt-pereplanirovki-kvartiry11.ru .
перепланировка москва http://soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-kvartiry14.ru/ .
проект на перепланировку квартиры цена http://stoimost-soglasovaniya-pereplanirovki-kvartiry.ru .
Этот информативный текст выделяется своими захватывающими аспектами, которые делают сложные темы доступными и понятными. Мы стремимся предложить читателям глубину знаний вместе с разнообразием интересных фактов. Откройте новые горизонты и развивайте свои способности познавать мир!
Смотрите также – https://www.m-idea-l.com/2022/02/25/%E3%80%90%E7%B6%9A%E3%80%91%E4%BB%96%E8%80%85%E3%81%AE%E6%99%82%E9%96%93%E3%81%A8%E3%82%B9%E3%82%AD%E3%83%AB%E3%82%92%E6%90%BE%E5%8F%96%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E3%81%AE%E3%81%8C%E5%B9%B3%E6%B0%97%E3%81%AA
nextgeninnovation – I’ve found some great inspiration here, thanks for sharing.
сколько стоит перепланировка квартиры сколько стоит перепланировка квартиры .
соглосование soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-kvartiry3.ru .
keyword.
Сохраняйте рабочие адреса KRAKEN и проверяйте их перед входом.
помощь в согласовании перепланировки квартиры https://www.soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-kvartiry4.ru .
перепланировка комнаты https://soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-kvartiry4.ru .
помощь в согласовании перепланировки квартиры soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-kvartiry3.ru .
как сделать проект перепланировки квартиры https://proekt-pereplanirovki-kvartiry17.ru/ .
bs market Ты еще не в курсе, что порождает бурю в темных водах сети? Blacksprut – это не просто символ. Это квинтэссенция анонимности, молниеносной скорости и абсолютной уверенности в каждом действии. Приглашаем на bs2best.at – туда, где шепчут о том, о чем другие предпочитают хранить гробовое молчание. Тебе откроются двери в мир, скрытый от любопытных глаз, доступный лишь избранным, тем, кто понимает истинную цену информации. Ни единой зацепки. Никаких отступлений. Только безупречный Blacksprut, гарант твоей конфиденциальности. Не упусти свой шанс стать первопроходцем – bs2best.at уже готов раскрыть свои тайны. Достаточно ли ты смел, чтобы заглянуть в бездну правды?
mostbet uz telegram qo‘llab-quvvatlash mostbet4185.ru
wette sport
Here is my web site :: wetten mit bonus ohne einzahlung (Lynell)
brightmind – Looking forward to new pieces, this seems like a special space.
trendfinder.bond – Love how simple it is to find trending products here.
inspiredideas.shop – Their products look inspiring and the site feels very polished.
Этот текст призван помочь читателю расширить кругозор и получить практические знания. Мы используем простой язык, наглядные примеры и структурированное изложение, чтобы сделать обучение максимально эффективным и увлекательным.
Открой скрытое – https://lemondeinfos.com/header-with-ad-space
creativegiftzone.shop – Great site, everything loads quickly and categories are well organized.
Kendi tarz?n?za uygun yeni guzellik trendleri ar?yorsan?z, dogru yerdesiniz.
Yeri gelmisken, eger Mutfakta Yenilikci Deneyimler ve Lezzetli Yolculuklar ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://mutfakkeyfi.com
Guzellik yolculugunuzda ilham alman?z dilegiyle!
Cilt bak?m?n?n puf noktalar?na dair bilmeniz gereken her sey burada!
Bu arada, eger Modern Mobilya Trendleri ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://evimtarzi.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
visionaryleadersclub.bond – Just joined their updates — promising content and inspiring ideas.
TOTY season pricing means smart players buy fifa coins before promotional pack releases flood markets. Real active sellers provide fast delivery with non drop policies, ensuring your purchasing power remains stable throughout market volatility.
businessgrowthhub – I appreciate the clarity, content feels practical and no fluff.
официальный сайт ПокерОК
ПокерОК сайт
learnonline.bond – Can’t wait to see what new courses they’ll add next.
buildbrand.online – Really strong branding ideas here, definitely inspiring and useful.
connectwithtrust.bond – Visiting this feels like stepping into a respectful space.
melbet бонус за регистрацию melbet бонус за регистрацию .
перепланировки квартир http://soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-kvartiry11.ru .
melbet букмекерская контора официальный сайт регистрация http://www.melbetbonusy.ru .
brightfuturegroup.bond – The content seems purposeful — a good sign for reliability.
узаконить перепланировку квартиры стоимость http://www.zakazat-proekt-pereplanirovki-kvartiry11.ru .
перепланировки квартир http://www.soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-kvartiry14.ru/ .
inspiredmind.shop – Browsing this felt so uplifting — nice site overall.
проект для перепланировки квартиры стоимость https://www.stoimost-soglasovaniya-pereplanirovki-kvartiry.ru .
smartpartnership.bond – Definitely sharing this with colleagues who care about fairness.
Наркологическая помощь в Туле становится все более востребованной‚ особенно когда речь идет о борьбе с алкоголизмом. Нарколог на дом круглосуточно Тула предлагает услуги для людей‚ нуждающихся в экстренной помощи. В рамках наркологической клиники проводится детоксикация от наркотиков и алкоголя‚ что является первым шагом к выздоровлению. Лечение алкоголизма включает в себя облегчение абстиненции‚ что способствует облегчению состояния пациента. Круглосуточная помощь нарколога обеспечит необходимую медицинскую помощь при алкоголизме в любой момент. Консультация нарколога поможет составить индивидуальную программу лечения алкоголизма, учитывающую все особенности пациента. Реабилитация зависимых включает психотерапию для зависимых‚ что помогает улучшить психологического состояния и привыканию к жизни без алкоголя. Поддержка близких играет важную роль в процессе лечения; Анонимное лечение зависимости даст возможность пациенту обращаться за помощью без боязни осуждения. Вызывая нарколога на дом‚ вы делаете важный шаг к новой жизни.
dailyvaluehub.shop – I like how they promote value daily — very customer-oriented.
visionaryconnect.bond – Definitely sharing this — others need to see this vision too.
Transfer market independence came from choosing to buy fifa coins rather than spending hours on trading methods with diminishing returns. Fast delivery from real vendors with active customer service and non drop guarantees liberates your gaming time for actual matches, skill improvement, and competitive progression instead of market speculation.
growtogetheralliance.shop – Prices seem fair, not overblown, which is nice.
smartdesigncorner.space – Found some great ideas here for my next design project.
I was skeptical, but after over two years of cross-chain transfers, the reliable uptime convinced me. Support solved my issue in minutes.
mostbet mobile uz casino http://mostbet4185.ru
перепланировка офиса http://soglasovanie-pereplanirovki-kvartiry3.ru/ .
нужен проект перепланировки https://proekt-pereplanirovki-kvartiry17.ru/ .