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.
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Bu arada, eger Zamans?z S?kl?k ve Klasik Giyim Onerileri ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya goz at?n.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://klasikstil.com
Cilt bak?m?n? hayat?n?z?n bir parcas? haline getirin ve fark? gorun.
рулонные шторы на пластиковые окна с электроприводом http://avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory77.ru .
1xbet com giri? https://1xbet-giris-4.com .
1xbet resmi http://www.1xbet-giris-4.com .
1xbet 1xbet .
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Yeri gelmisken, eger Guzellik ve Bak?m: Trendler ve Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://ciltruhu.com
Unutmay?n, her cilt tipi guzeldir ve dogru bak?m ile daha da guzellesir.
медтехника https://medicinskaya-tehnika.ru .
заказать онлайн трансляцию заказать онлайн трансляцию .
вебинарная студия studiya-podkastov-spb4.ru .
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Betway Casino, ca invite a plonger dans le fun. Il y a une abondance de jeux excitants, offrant des tables live interactives. Il propulse votre jeu des le debut. Les agents sont toujours la pour aider. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, toutefois des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. Au final, Betway Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. A mentionner la navigation est intuitive et lisse, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Particulierement cool les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, offre des recompenses regulieres.
Plongez-y|
findyourmoments – Calm and inspiring design, a lovely place to explore and reflect.
рольшторы заказать avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory1.ru .
купить электрические рулонные шторы https://www.rulonnye-shtory-s-elektroprivodom7.ru .
1xbet ?yelik 1xbet ?yelik .
1xbet t?rkiye giri? 1xbet t?rkiye giri? .
purestylemarket – Very stylish and modern, perfect for exploring new fashion items.
Алкогольная зависимость — серьезная проблема, требующая профессионального подхода. В владимире предлагаются услуги вывода из запоя, которые гарантируют безопасное очищение организма и восстановление. Наркологические клиники предоставляют круглосуточную помощь и анонимное лечение, обеспечивая полную конфиденциальность. вывод из запоя владимир
Sizi gecmisten ilham alan guzellik ipuclar?yla dolu bu nostaljik yolculuga davet ediyoruz. 90’lar modas?n?n s?rlar?na goz atal?m m??
Кстати, если вас интересует Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?, посмотрите сюда.
Смотрите сами:
https://guzellikturk.com
90’lar?n buyusunu modern dunyaya tas?mak hic bu kadar kolay olmam?st?. Unutulmayan bu donemin guzellik s?rlar?n? unutmay?n!
http://rabattapotek.com/# RabattApotek
online apotheek: apotheek online – Medicijnen zonder recept bestellen
birxbet 1xbet-giris-2.com .
1xbet giri? 1xbet giri? .
медтехника medicinskaya-tehnika.ru .
студия для записи видео подкастов http://studiya-podkastov-spb4.ru .
организация онлайн трансляции организация онлайн трансляции .
в каком казино дают деньги за регистрацию без депозита Бездепозитные бонусы – это отличная возможность попробовать свои силы в онлайн-казино без риска для собственных средств. Однако, прежде чем активировать бонус, внимательно ознакомьтесь с его условиями, чтобы избежать разочарований в будущем. Удачи в игре!
Je suis bluffe par Belgium Casino, il procure une sensation de frisson. On trouve une profusion de jeux palpitants, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Il rend le debut de l’aventure palpitant. Le support est rapide et professionnel. Les transactions sont d’une fiabilite absolue, par moments plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. Au final, Belgium Casino assure un fun constant. Pour couronner le tout le site est rapide et immersif, facilite une experience immersive. Egalement super les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, propose des avantages uniques.
DГ©couvrir le contenu|
J’ai une affection particuliere pour Betway Casino, ca transporte dans un univers de plaisirs. Le choix est aussi large qu’un festival, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le suivi est toujours au top. Le processus est simple et transparent, quelquefois des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. Pour conclure, Betway Casino offre une experience hors du commun. Ajoutons que la navigation est intuitive et lisse, donne envie de prolonger l’aventure. Egalement super les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, cree une communaute vibrante.
https://betwaycasino366fr.com/|
рольшторы с электроприводом рольшторы с электроприводом .
рулонные шторки на окна рулонные шторки на окна .
Dogal ve etkili cilt bak?m yontemlerine dair tuyolar? kesfedin.
Yeri gelmisken, eger Modern Mobilya Tasar?mlar? ve Dekorasyon Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Burada okuyabilirsiniz:
https://modernsturk.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
Tarz?n?z? 90’lar?n unutulmaz modas?ndan esinlenerek gunumuze tas?mak ister misiniz? Oyleyse bu yaz?m?z tam size gore!
Между прочим, если вас интересует Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?, посмотрите сюда.
Ссылка ниже:
https://aynakirildi.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
1xbet guncel 1xbet guncel .
1xbetgiri? http://www.1xbet-giris-4.com/ .
Pinco mobil versiyası sürətlidir. Yeni oyunları sınamaq üçün bax pinco kazino az. Pinco casino bonusları hər həftə yenilənir.
Pinco kazino Azərbaycanda ən çox seçiləndir.
1x bet giri? 1xbet-giris-2.com .
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Betway Casino, on ressent une ambiance de fete. Les options de jeu sont infinies, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Il donne un elan excitant. Le support est fiable et reactif. Les paiements sont securises et instantanes, bien que des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. En conclusion, Betway Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. Ajoutons aussi l’interface est lisse et agreable, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Particulierement cool les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, renforce la communaute.
DГ©couvrir davantage|
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla gunumuzun trendlerine meydan okumaya ne dersiniz?
По теме “Guzellik ve Kozmetik: Trendler ve Ipuclar?”, есть отличная статья.
Ссылка ниже:
https://guzellikturk.com
Nostalji dolu bu yolculukta bizimle oldugunuz icin tesekkur ederiz. 90’lar modas? ve guzelliginin ruhunu hissedin.
Dogal guzellik ve cilt bak?m?nda uzmanlar?n s?rlar?na yak?ndan bak?yoruz.
Bu arada, eger Kad?n Modas?nda Stil ve Fonksiyonel Oneriler ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://giyimtarzi.com
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
MexMedsReview: verified Mexican pharmacy promo codes – Mex Meds Review
classyfindsonline – Love the classy layout, everything looks elegant and well arranged.
Je suis accro a Gamdom Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, offrant des tables live interactives. Le bonus de depart est top. Le support est efficace et amical. Le processus est clair et efficace, mais des recompenses supplementaires dynamiseraient le tout. Pour finir, Gamdom Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. Pour ajouter la navigation est intuitive et lisse, permet une immersion complete. A mettre en avant les paiements en crypto rapides et surs, offre des recompenses regulieres.
En savoir davantage|
Cilt bak?m?na dair dogal guzellik s?rlar?n? ogrenmeye haz?r m?s?n?z?
Modern Moda: Zarafet ve Stil Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki bolum ozellikle hosuma gitti.
Kendiniz bak?n:
https://modaevreni.com
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
Je suis fascine par Betify Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. Les options de jeu sont infinies, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Le bonus de depart est top. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les transactions sont d’une fiabilite absolue, mais encore quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. En resume, Betify Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. Notons egalement la plateforme est visuellement captivante, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Particulierement fun les evenements communautaires pleins d’energie, cree une communaute soudee.
Lire plus|
Промокды казино Бездепозитные бонусы – это отличная возможность попробовать свои силы в онлайн-казино без риска для собственных средств. Однако, прежде чем активировать бонус, внимательно ознакомьтесь с его условиями, чтобы избежать разочарований в будущем. Удачи в игре!
J’ai un faible pour Gamdom Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Avec des depots rapides et faciles. Le service d’assistance est au point. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, de temps en temps des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. Pour conclure, Gamdom Casino merite un detour palpitant. Pour couronner le tout le design est style et moderne, ajoute une touche de dynamisme. A mettre en avant les evenements communautaires vibrants, propose des privileges personnalises.
http://www.casinogamdomfr.com|
Je suis captive par Betway Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. La variete des jeux est epoustouflante, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Il donne un elan excitant. Les agents repondent avec rapidite. Les retraits sont lisses comme jamais, par contre plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. Pour finir, Betway Casino offre une aventure inoubliable. A mentionner le design est moderne et attrayant, apporte une touche d’excitation. Egalement top le programme VIP avec des niveaux exclusifs, renforce le lien communautaire.
Ouvrir maintenant|
imaginelearnexplore – Inspiring and informative, great site for learning and discovering new things.
Je suis captive par Betify Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, avec des slots aux designs captivants. Avec des transactions rapides. Le support est pro et accueillant. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, mais des offres plus genereuses rendraient l’experience meilleure. Globalement, Betify Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. Pour ajouter la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, ce qui rend chaque moment plus vibrant. Un point fort les tournois frequents pour l’adrenaline, propose des privileges personnalises.
DГ©couvrir davantage|