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.
apotek online sverige: Kunder rankar bästa apotek online – Apotek online jämförelse
медицинская техника медицинская техника .
one x bet [url=https://1xbet-giris-8.com/]one x bet[/url] .
1xbet yeni giri? adresi 1xbet yeni giri? adresi .
Guzellik ve kozmetikte her zaman gecmisten al?nacak dersler bulunur. 90’lar?n modas?ndan guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmeye haz?r olun.
Для тех, кто ищет информацию по теме “Guzellik ve Kozmetik: 90’lar Modas?ndan Ipuclar?”, нашел много полезного.
Смотрите сами:
https://aynakirildi.com
90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?n? kesfetmek, tarz?n?za farkl? bir boyut kazand?rabilir. Denemeye deger degil mi?
https://mexmedsreview.com/# cheap branded meds without prescription
рольшторы на окна купить в москве [url=www.avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory1.ru]www.avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory1.ru[/url] .
trendinghomeideas – Creative and practical ideas for home, very nice experience overall.
1xbet 1xbet .
1xbet tr 1xbet tr .
рулонные шторы с направляющими купить http://avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory1.ru/ .
Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?
Is?lt?l? Guzellik: Sac ve Cilt Bak?m Onerileri hakk?ndaki bolum dikkatimi cekti.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://tenvezarafet.com
Sagl?kl? ve dogal bir cilt icin duzenli bak?m sart.
рольшторы заказать http://avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory1.ru .
заказать трансляцию мероприятия https://zakazat-onlayn-translyaciyu5.ru/ .
рольшторы на окна купить в москве [url=http://rulonnye-shtory-s-elektroprivodom7.ru]http://rulonnye-shtory-s-elektroprivodom7.ru[/url] .
Je suis fascine par Betway Casino, on y trouve une energie contagieuse. Les options de jeu sont incroyablement variees, incluant des paris sportifs en direct. Il booste votre aventure des le depart. Le suivi est toujours au top. Les retraits sont fluides et rapides, par contre des bonus plus frequents seraient un hit. En conclusion, Betway Casino est un choix parfait pour les joueurs. En plus la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, donne envie de continuer l’aventure. Un avantage notable les evenements communautaires vibrants, cree une communaute vibrante.
Continuer ici|
1xbet t?rkiye giri? [url=1xbet-giris-2.com]1xbet-giris-2.com[/url] .
1xbet yeni adresi http://www.1xbet-giris-2.com .
Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?
Faydal? Dekorasyon ve Mobilya Ipuclar? hakk?ndaki yaz? dikkate degerdi.
Asag?daki linke bakabilirsiniz:
https://cilginmobilya.com
Guzelliginizin ve sagl?g?n?z?n anahtar? dogru cilt bak?m?nda sakl?.
Статья знакомит с важнейшими моментами, которые сформировали наше общество. От великих изобретений до культурных переворотов — вы узнаете, как прошлое влияет на наше мышление, технологии и образ жизни.
Подробнее – http://www.greatdynamics.net/2021/12/01/appropriately-productize-fully-micromanagement
купить электрические рулонные шторы https://rulonnye-shtory-s-elektroprivodom7.ru/ .
Je suis captive par Belgium Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Le bonus de depart est top. Le suivi est impeccable. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, neanmoins des recompenses en plus seraient un bonus. En somme, Belgium Casino vaut une visite excitante. Pour ajouter la plateforme est visuellement electrisante, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Egalement excellent les paiements securises en crypto, propose des avantages uniques.
VГ©rifier ceci|
ролет штора ролет штора .
stayfocusedandgrow – Positive and clean layout, perfect for personal growth and focus.
1xbet giri? g?ncel https://1xbet-giris-2.com .
1xbet t?rkiye giri? 1xbet t?rkiye giri? .
1xbet yeni giri? adresi [url=https://1xbet-giris-4.com]https://1xbet-giris-4.com[/url] .
стоимость онлайн трансляции на мероприятии https://www.zakazat-onlayn-translyaciyu5.ru .
Je ne me lasse pas de Betway Casino, ca offre un plaisir vibrant. Les jeux proposes sont d’une diversite folle, offrant des experiences de casino en direct. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Le service client est de qualite. Les transactions sont toujours securisees, parfois des offres plus importantes seraient super. En bref, Betway Casino est un immanquable pour les amateurs. Notons egalement l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. A mettre en avant les competitions regulieres pour plus de fun, offre des bonus constants.
Aller voir|
1xbet resmi 1xbet-giris-2.com .
90’lar modas?n? hat?rlayanlar burada m?? Sizlere gecmisin moda ikonu olan donemden ilhamla ipuclar? sundugumuz bu yaz?ya davetlisiniz.
Особенно понравился материал про Evinizde Estetik ve Fonksiyonu Birlestirin: Ipuclar? ve Trendler.
Смотрите сами:
https://anadolustil.com
Tarz?n?zda 90’lar?n esintilerini hissetmeye baslad?g?n?za eminim. Gecmisin izlerini tas?maktan korkmay?n!
Je ne me lasse pas de Gamdom Casino, c’est une plateforme qui deborde de dynamisme. Les options de jeu sont incroyablement variees, comprenant des jeux crypto-friendly. 100% jusqu’a 500 € plus des tours gratuits. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Les transactions sont fiables et efficaces, mais plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Globalement, Gamdom Casino garantit un plaisir constant. De surcroit le site est rapide et immersif, amplifie le plaisir de jouer. Egalement excellent les tournois reguliers pour s’amuser, offre des bonus exclusifs.
http://www.gamdomcasino366fr.com|
changeyourperspective – Modern and clean design, perfect for exploring fresh ideas and viewpoints.
1xbet ?yelik http://www.1xbet-giris-4.com/ .
1xbet giri? 1xbet giri? .
производители рулонных штор http://www.avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory1.ru .
консультация психиатра платно
psychiatr-moskva011.ru
лечение в психиатрическом стационаре
рулонные шторы виды механизмов http://rulonnye-shtory-s-elektroprivodom7.ru .
электропривод рулонных штор avtomaticheskie-rulonnye-shtory1.ru .
buy medications from Mexico legally: MexMedsReview – buy medications from Mexico legally
1xbet guncel http://1xbet-giris-2.com/ .
Dogal guzelliginizin s?rlar?n? ortaya c?karmaya var m?s?n?z?
Yeri gelmisken, eger Cilt Bak?m? ve Guzellik: Trendler ve Ipuclar? ile ilgileniyorsan?z, buraya bir bak?n.
Iste, linki paylas?yorum:
https://bakimruhu.com
Cildinizin dogall?g?n? ve sagl?g?n? korumak sizin elinizde.
Капельницы для лечения алкогольной зависимости на дому – это эффективный метод лечения алкоголизма, который дает шанс пройти детоксикацию без нужды госпитализации. Услуги сотрудников наркологической службы включают инъекции на дому, что позволяет улучшению самочувствия пациента и уменьшению симптомов абстиненции. Капельницы содействуют организму ускоряют вывод токсинов, а также способствуют восстановлению организма. Помощь в период отказа от алкоголя имеет большое значение на всех этапах, включая реабилитацию алкоголиков. Профилактика осложнений также играет ключевую роль в процессе излечения. Лечение на дому может включать капельниц, но и консультации специалистов, что способствует более качественному выводу из запоя и эффективному лечению. Обращаясь на vivod-iz-zapoya-vladimir021.ru, вы сможете получить профессиональную поддержку и помощь в борьбе с алкоголизмом.
J’ai un veritable coup de c?ur pour Gamdom Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. La bibliotheque de jeux est captivante, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Avec des depots fluides. Les agents sont toujours la pour aider. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, cependant des offres plus consequentes seraient parfaites. Dans l’ensemble, Gamdom Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. A souligner la plateforme est visuellement captivante, booste le fun du jeu. Particulierement attrayant le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, qui booste la participation.
Lancer le site|
1xbet lite http://www.1xbet-giris-4.com .
Je suis epate par Betway Casino, ca donne une vibe electrisante. Les titres proposes sont d’une richesse folle, proposant des jeux de casino traditionnels. Avec des depots instantanes. Le service d’assistance est au point. Les retraits sont fluides et rapides, mais encore quelques free spins en plus seraient bienvenus. Pour conclure, Betway Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. Ajoutons aussi l’interface est fluide comme une soiree, facilite une immersion totale. A signaler les transactions en crypto fiables, offre des recompenses continues.
AccГ©der au site|
рулонные шторы электрические рулонные шторы электрические .
J’adore l’energie de Betify Casino, il cree une experience captivante. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, proposant des jeux de cartes elegants. Il donne un avantage immediat. Le service d’assistance est au point. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, occasionnellement quelques tours gratuits supplementaires seraient cool. Dans l’ensemble, Betify Casino est une plateforme qui pulse. Par ailleurs le site est rapide et immersif, booste l’excitation du jeu. A souligner les options de paris sportifs diversifiees, offre des bonus exclusifs.
Essayer maintenant|
Eski ama asla eskimeyen 90’lar modas?n?n guzellik s?rlar?yla dolu bu yaz?da bulusal?m.
По теме “Evinizde Estetik ve Fonksiyonu Birlestirin: Ipuclar? ve Trendler”, там просто кладезь информации.
Вот, делюсь ссылкой:
https://anadolustil.com
Guzellik, gecmisle gunumuz aras?nda bir kopru kurmakt?r. 90’lar?n moda s?rlar?, bu koprunun onemli parcalar?ndan.
1x bet https://www.1xbet-giris-2.com .