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.
AutumnLeaf Corner – Really enjoyed the design, everything is accessible.
canadian neighborhood pharmacy https://muscpharm.com/# canadian online pharmacies
AutumnLeaf Goods – Warm and approachable, loved exploring all the products.
1win слоты играть скачать http://1win12020.ru
I was suggested this website via my cousin. I’m not positive whether this put up is written via him as no one else know such particular approximately my trouble. You’re incredible! Thanks!
Вызов нарколога на дом — это не «капельница как панацея», а управляемая последовательность решений с ясными целями, измеримыми маркерами и понятными «окнами оценки». В «СамарМед Ассист» мы строим лечение из узких модулей: сначала проверяем базовую безопасность (дыхание, сознание, гемодинамика), затем возвращаем переносимость питья, стабилизируем вегетатику, собираем ночь, и только после этого занимаемся дневной выносливостью и бытовой устойчивостью. Такой ритм исключает полипрагмазию, снижает фармаконагрузку и превращает первые часы из хаотичной «борьбы с симптомами» в спокойный, предсказуемый маршрут. Семья получает роль партнёра, а не наблюдателя: по простым ориентирам понятно, что считать нормой, когда звонить врачу и на каком этапе модуль следует «выключить».
Получить дополнительную информацию – http://
Urban Peak Finds – Navigation is simple and shopping feels effortless.
1wim вход 1wim вход
Urban Peak Hub – Items load fast and navigating the site is simple.
Urban Peak Stop – Items load seamlessly and shopping feels smooth.
лечение запоя
vivod-iz-zapoya-krasnodar023.ru
вывод из запоя
This was really informative. https://3nz9f.icu/
Urban Peak Market – Shopping is intuitive and everything is neatly arranged.
Dmu Cialis: Dmu Cialis – DmuCialis
Wardrobe & Lifestyle Picks – Practical and trendy selections to enhance your personal style.
NeoKamagra Kamagra 100mg price NeoKamagra
Your Fashion Destination – Browse stylish collections and lifestyle essentials to suit your taste.
мелбет официальный сайт melbet5007.ru
Эвакуатор в Москве https://eva77.ru вызов в любое время дня и ночи. Быстрая подача, профессиональная погрузка и доставка авто в сервис, гараж или на парковку. Надёжно, безопасно и по фиксированной цене.
EverPath Emporium – Quick and natural shopping experience with an easy-to-use layout.
Эвакуатор в Москве https://eva77.ru вызов в любое время дня и ночи. Быстрая подача, профессиональная погрузка и доставка авто в сервис, гараж или на парковку. Надёжно, безопасно и по фиксированной цене.
I quite like reading an article that can make men and women think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment!
регистрация в 1вин http://1win12020.ru
EverPath Collective Picks – Quick to find products with a visually appealing layout.
canadian mail order pharmacies https://dmucialis.com/# Dmu Cialis
В этой публикации мы предложим ряд рекомендаций по избавлению от зависимостей и успешному восстановлению. Мы обсудим методы привлечения поддержки и важность самосознания. Эти советы помогут людям вернуться к нормальной жизни и стать на путь выздоровления.
Изучить вопрос глубже – вывод из запоя капельница на дому москва
UnionSquare Finds – Browsing was smooth, products are clearly arranged and easy to explore.
http://muscpharm.com/# MuscPharm
EverPath Market – Smooth browsing and simple navigation make shopping enjoyable.
UnionSquare Picks Shop – Very organized layout, making shopping simple and stress-free.
UnionSquare Goods – Smooth browsing and products are arranged neatly and easy to explore.
1win сайт скачать 1win сайт скачать
melbet mobi [url=melbet5007.ru]melbet mobi[/url]
промокод 1xставка промокод 1xставка
1win регистрация в 1 клик https://1win12020.ru
UnionSquare Collection – Items are well arranged, making shopping smooth and enjoyable.
motivationzone – Navigation is intuitive, and products are well organized.
motivatedworld – Smooth interface, intuitive navigation, and items are easy to explore.
motivationcornerhub – Browsing was intuitive, and products are organized well.
как вывести бонусные деньги с 1win как вывести бонусные деньги с 1win
staycorner – Smooth browsing, interface is intuitive, and products are clearly presented.
лига ставок мобильная версия скачать лига ставок мобильная версия скачать
Инфузионная терапия — это не просто «быстрый раствор витаминов». При запое страдает водно-электролитный баланс, «плавает» давление и пульс, нарастает тревога, нарушается сон, проявляются тошнота и тремор. Правильно собранная капельница в Клину помогает вернуть жидкость и электролиты, поддержать печень, снизить вегетативные проявления, мягко стабилизировать нервную систему и подготовить переход на пероральные схемы. Важно избегать избыточной седативной нагрузки и опасных сочетаний: то, что человеку «помогало раньше», может конфликтовать с его нынешними показателями. Поэтому каждое назначение мы увязываем с реальными цифрами осмотра и тем, что уже было принято за двое суток.
Получить больше информации – капельница при запое