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.
I was skeptical, but after half a year of fiat on-ramp, the stable performance convinced me.
BlueWaveMeds: Blue Wave Meds – Blue Wave Meds
Forward Journey Hub – Loved the step-by-step advice, very easy to apply to daily planning.
Outstanding post but I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Cheers!
Купить iPhone в Москве
https://everameds.xyz/# Tadalafil price
Hi! 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 suggestions?
Купить iPhone 17 в Москве
карниз моторизованный elektrokarniz2.ru .
Публикация предлагает читателю не просто информацию, а инструменты для анализа и саморазвития. Мы стимулируем критическое мышление, предлагая различные точки зрения и призывая к самостоятельному поиску решений.
Нажмите, чтобы узнать больше – https://ventanillatv.pe/pedro-castillo-vs-keiko-fujimori-segunda-parte-2
findyournextgoal.click – Great guidance provided, makes setting meaningful goals much easier and achievable today.
автоматический карниз для штор elektrokarniz495.ru .
Je suis captive par Pokerstars Casino, il cree un monde de sensations fortes. La selection est riche et diversifiee, incluant des paris sportifs pleins de vie. Le bonus de depart est top. Le service est disponible 24/7. Les paiements sont surs et efficaces, mais plus de promotions frequentes boosteraient l’experience. Dans l’ensemble, Pokerstars Casino offre une experience inoubliable. Notons egalement la navigation est fluide et facile, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Un avantage les evenements communautaires dynamiques, offre des recompenses regulieres.
Aller à l’intérieur|
карниз для штор электрический [url=http://www.provorota.su]http://www.provorota.su[/url] .
карнизы с электроприводом http://provorota.su/ .
globaltrendstore.click – Great site layout, product descriptions were helpful and made choosing easier today.
карниз моторизованный [url=http://www.elektrokarniz98.ru]http://www.elektrokarniz98.ru[/url] .
карниз с электроприводом карниз с электроприводом .
электрокарнизы москва http://www.provorota.su .
электрические гардины provorota.su .
карнизы с электроприводом купить карнизы с электроприводом купить .
электрокарнизы электрокарнизы .
электрокарнизы москва [url=http://elektrokarnizy77.ru]http://elektrokarnizy77.ru[/url] .
электрокарниз недорого https://elektrokarnizy77.ru/ .
электрические гардины https://provorota.su/ .
карниз с электроприводом [url=www.elektrokarniz2.ru]www.elektrokarniz2.ru[/url] .
прокарниз http://www.elektrokarnizy77.ru/ .
электрокарниз elektrokarniz2.ru .
электрический карниз для штор купить http://www.elektrokarnizy77.ru .
электрокарнизы для штор купить в москве [url=https://elektrokarniz495.ru]https://elektrokarniz495.ru[/url] .
электрические карнизы для штор в москве elektrokarniz98.ru .
карнизы для штор купить в москве карнизы для штор купить в москве .
электрокарнизы цена [url=https://elektrokarniz1.ru/]https://elektrokarniz1.ru/[/url] .
электрокарнизы цена http://www.elektrokarniz1.ru .
гардина с электроприводом http://elektrokarniz2.ru/ .
электрокарниз купить электрокарниз купить .
Je ne me lasse pas de Stake Casino, il offre une experience dynamique. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, incluant des options de paris sportifs dynamiques. Il offre un coup de pouce allechant. Le support est efficace et amical. Les gains sont transferes rapidement, toutefois des recompenses supplementaires seraient parfaites. Pour conclure, Stake Casino assure un divertissement non-stop. Par ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement dynamique, ce qui rend chaque session plus palpitante. Particulierement attrayant les options variees pour les paris sportifs, qui dynamise l’engagement.
Entrer sur le site|
Je suis totalement conquis par Stake Casino, on ressent une ambiance festive. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, offrant des sessions live palpitantes. Il amplifie le plaisir des l’entree. Disponible a toute heure via chat ou email. Le processus est transparent et rapide, malgre tout plus de promos regulieres ajouteraient du peps. Dans l’ensemble, Stake Casino est un endroit qui electrise. En complement le site est rapide et immersif, booste le fun du jeu. Egalement top les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, propose des privileges personnalises.
Entrer sur le site|
карниз электро https://elektrokarniz2.ru/ .
электрические карнизы купить http://www.elektrokarniz495.ru/ .
Je suis enthousiaste a propos de Stake Casino, on y trouve une vibe envoutante. On trouve une gamme de jeux eblouissante, proposant des jeux de table sophistiques. Avec des transactions rapides. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Le processus est clair et efficace, neanmoins plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. En conclusion, Stake Casino est un lieu de fun absolu. D’ailleurs la plateforme est visuellement vibrante, ce qui rend chaque partie plus fun. Un plus les transactions crypto ultra-securisees, propose des privileges personnalises.
Commencer Г naviguer|
электрические гардины http://elektrokarniz1.ru .
Je suis totalement conquis par Stake Casino, ca offre une experience immersive. Les options sont aussi vastes qu’un horizon, comprenant des titres adaptes aux cryptomonnaies. Il donne un elan excitant. Le support est efficace et amical. Les paiements sont securises et rapides, de temps en temps plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. Pour conclure, Stake Casino garantit un amusement continu. En bonus le design est moderne et attrayant, incite a rester plus longtemps. Egalement excellent le programme VIP avec des privileges speciaux, offre des bonus constants.
http://www.stakecasinoappfr.com|
Curated Deals Hub – The layout made finding great items quick and simple.
Fashion Daily Picks – Browsed stylish pieces quickly, overall experience felt pleasant.
электрический карниз для штор купить http://www.provorota.su/ .
карниз электро http://www.elektrokarniz1.ru/ .
Je suis completement seduit par Stake Casino, ca pulse comme une soiree animee. Le catalogue est un tresor de divertissements, comprenant des jeux compatibles avec les cryptos. Le bonus de depart est top. Les agents sont rapides et pros. Les paiements sont surs et fluides, occasionnellement des bonus plus varies seraient un plus. En somme, Stake Casino offre une experience hors du commun. Ajoutons que la plateforme est visuellement captivante, booste l’excitation du jeu. Un avantage notable les transactions en crypto fiables, assure des transactions fluides.
Savoir plus|
beef casino официальный сайт
автоматический карниз для штор https://www.elektrokarnizy77.ru .
Je suis sous le charme de Stake Casino, ca transporte dans un monde d’excitation. Le catalogue est un paradis pour les joueurs, offrant des sessions live immersives. Il donne un avantage immediat. Disponible 24/7 par chat ou email. Les gains sont verses sans attendre, rarement quelques spins gratuits en plus seraient top. Dans l’ensemble, Stake Casino merite un detour palpitant. De plus la navigation est simple et intuitive, ce qui rend chaque session plus excitante. A mettre en avant les nombreuses options de paris sportifs, offre des bonus exclusifs.
Essayer maintenant|
Je suis totalement conquis par Pokerstars Casino, il propose une aventure palpitante. Le catalogue de titres est vaste, avec des slots aux graphismes modernes. Le bonus de depart est top. Le support est efficace et amical. Le processus est simple et transparent, bien que plus de promotions variees ajouteraient du fun. En resume, Pokerstars Casino vaut une exploration vibrante. A noter la navigation est simple et intuitive, booste le fun du jeu. A souligner les evenements communautaires vibrants, cree une communaute vibrante.
Visiter aujourd’hui|