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.
aviator game aviator game .
aviation game aviation game .
В этом обзорном материале представлены увлекательные детали, которые находят отражение в различных аспектах жизни. Мы исследуем непонятные и интересные моменты, позволяя читателю увидеть картину целиком. Погрузитесь в мир знаний и удивительных открытий!
Углубиться в тему – https://at-home-care.com/the-importance-of-regular-health-screenings-for-seniors
aviator x http://aviator-game-winner.com/ .
Details – by clicking: https://postrojka.frmbb.ru/viewtopic.php?id=15#p15
aviator game aviator game .
Онлайн-казино Vavada активно развивается и предлагает игрокам стабильный доступ через рабочие зеркала.
Платформа отличается большим выбором игр, быстрыми выплатами и регулярными бонусными акциями.
Регистрация занимает всего несколько минут, а промокоды помогают получить дополнительные привилегии.
Игроки ценят удобный интерфейс, качественную мобильную версию и большое количество турниров.
Актуальные возможности, бонусы и обновления доступны здесь: vavada casino официальный сайт вход.
Vavada остаётся одним из самых популярных игровых сервисов для любителей онлайн-казино.
My brother recommended I might like this web site. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!
Эта информационная заметка содержит увлекательные сведения, которые могут вас удивить! Мы собрали интересные факты, которые сделают вашу жизнь ярче и полнее. Узнайте нечто новое о привычных аспектах повседневности и откройте для себя удивительный мир информации.
Узнать напрямую – https://royaltea.in/tea-basics-for-beginners
aviator money http://aviator-game-winner.com/ .
Этот информационный материал подробно освещает проблему наркозависимости, ее причины и последствия. Мы предлагаем информацию о методах лечения, профилактики и поддерживающих программах. Цель статьи — повысить осведомленность и продвигать идеи о необходимости борьбы с зависимостями.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – [url=https://i-klinik.ru/]вывод из запоя круглосуточно[/url]
В этой статье собраны факты, которые освещают целый ряд важных вопросов. Мы стремимся предложить читателям четкую, достоверную информацию, которая поможет сформировать собственное мнение и лучше понять сложные аспекты рассматриваемой темы.
Лови подробности – http://www.n-netzservice.de/guestbook.html
https://t.me/leon_casino_play
SunCrestTrendsHub – Very intuitive website and modern items arrived on time.
SoftCrest Picks – Very easy to browse, great items, and delivery was prompt.
Ucla Metformin: UclaMetformin – Ucla Metformin
Thank you for writing this. https://3nz9f.icu/west-ham-eyeing-up-man-utd-trio/
cheapest online pharmacy india http://bswfinasteride.com/# buying propecia without insurance
smartbargainhub – Loved the deals, checkout process was fast and simple.
bigdealshub – Excellent discounts, the website made checkout very easy.
savehubonline – Excellent savings and very easy shopping experience.
Pure Style Hub Storefront – Modern designs and effortless browsing for a smooth shopping experience.
https://es.austinserio.com/mostbet-v-kyrgyzstane-76/
shopfinderbig – Great deals and smooth navigation, checkout was very simple.
how often to give ivermectin for mange: PMA Ivermectin – PMA Ivermectin
Казино и БК 1win известна фрибетами.
Акции делают игру выгоднее.
Войти можно мгновенно, затем активируется бонус.
Игровое лобби пополняется провайдерами.
Смотри актуальный промокод 1win и получи фрибет.
Играйте ответственно.
trendemporium – Nice assortment of items, browsing today was effortless.
Промокод при регистрации в 1xbet сегодня. Этой акцией может воспользоваться каждый новый игрок при регистрации на сайте букмекера. Это ваше преимущество с начала. В форме регистрации есть необязательное поле для ввода кода. Как получить промокод 1xbet на фрибет. В магазине xBonus можно обменять баллы на коды 1xbet kz: для ординаров, экспрессов или лотерей. Найти промокоды 1xbet можно в интернете. Представители БК часто публикуют их к праздникам или турнирам. Все актуальные промокоды 2026 доступны в официальном разделе сайта и могут быть обменяны на бонусные баллы.
highriverdesigns – Really impressed with the design variety, website loads fast and smooth.
trendfinder – Nice assortment available, site navigation felt effortless.
glamtrend – Found stylish items today, browsing was fast and simple.
aviation game aviation game .
Your blog always inspires me. https://3nz9f.icu/west-ham-eyeing-up-man-utd-trio/
propecia otc buying propecia online propecia rx
BlueHaven StyleHub – Nice selection of outfits and delivery timing was spot-on.
fashionspot – Found trendy pieces easily, the site felt fast and user-friendly.
Great insights, thanks for sharing! https://3nz9f.icu/category/uncategorized/
springlightgoods – Customer service seems reliable, and purchase experience was satisfying and smooth.
вывод из запоя круглосуточно челябинск
vivod-iz-zapoya-chelyabinsk013.ru
лечение запоя
urbanvaluepicks – Great variety of urban-style items, shopping was enjoyable and effortless.
Нижегородская недвижимость Нижегородская область аренда недвижимости Аренда недвижимости в Нижегородской области – отличный вариант для тех, кто ищет временное жилье или хочет опробовать жизнь в регионе перед покупкой недвижимости. В области представлен широкий выбор арендных предложений: от квартир-студий до просторных домов. Аренда недвижимости в Нижегородской области позволяет гибко планировать свои расходы и избежать долгосрочных обязательств. Различные районы области предлагают разные условия аренды – от доступных вариантов в пригороде до комфортабельных квартир в центре Нижнего Новгорода. Найдите идеальное арендное предложение в Нижегородской области, соответствующее вашим потребностям и бюджету. Мы предлагаем широкий выбор вариантов аренды и помощь в заключении договора.
RareSeasonEmporium – Great variety, high-quality products, and timely delivery.
urbanvaluezone – Convenient to browse and shop, found multiple items I liked.
Tremendous things here. I am very happy to look your post. Thank you so much and I’m taking a look forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?
urbanoutlethub – Wide selection of urban items, shopping process felt natural.
win crash game win crash game .
aviator money [url=aviator-game-cash.com]aviator-game-cash.com[/url] .
Bright Fashion Outlet – Nice trendy catalog, smooth checkout, and timely shipping.
aviator x aviator-game-cash.com .
aviator game aviator game .