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.

гидроизоляция подвала материалы гидроизоляция подвала материалы .
PowerWithinYou – Easy-to-navigate layout, positive energy throughout the pages.
SoftGroveCorner Deals – Browsing felt comfortable thanks to neat organization and design.
гидроизоляция подвала снаружи цены гидроизоляция подвала снаружи цены .
YourPowerSource – Bright visuals, motivating messages, and effortless site experience.
ремонт бетонных конструкций фундамент https://www.remont-betonnykh-konstrukczij-usilenie.ru .
ремонт бетонных конструкций инъектирование ремонт бетонных конструкций инъектирование .
Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative. I’m going to watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
инъекционная гидроизоляция густота состава http://www.inekczionnaya-gidroizolyacziya.ru .
вертикальная гидроизоляция подвала http://www.gidroizolyacziya-podvala-iznutri-czena.ru .
гидроизоляция подвала битумная gidroizolyacziya-podvala-samara.ru .
StrengthJourney – Well-organized sections, motivational content, and easy navigation.
ремонт бетонных конструкций гарантия http://www.remont-betonnykh-konstrukczij-usilenie.ru/ .
усиление проема [url=www.usilenie-proemov2.ru]усиление проема[/url] .
More details One click: https://addthismark.xyz/story.php?title=from-search-to-success-my-journey-to-buy-facebook-ad-accounts-that-deliver
технология усиления проема https://usilenie-proemov2.ru/ .
гидроизоляция инъектированием гидроизоляция инъектированием .
гидроизоляция подвала жилого дома гидроизоляция подвала жилого дома .
усиление проема усиление проема .
усиление проема дверного усиление проема дверного .
ремонт бетонных конструкций гидроизоляция http://www.remont-betonnykh-konstrukczij-usilenie.ru .
Главная цель — безопасно стабилизировать состояние, вернуть контроль над сном, гидратацией и базовой активностью в первые сутки и удержать результат. Для этого мы используем модульный подход: один этап — одна клиническая задача — один измеримый маркер. Такой принцип исключает «гонку доз», снижает риск перегрузки объёмом и делает прогноз понятным для пациента и близких. Мы сознательно разделяем «короткие эффекты» (уменьшение тошноты, сглаживание тахикардии) и «эффекты консолидации» (устойчивый сон, ясность утром), чтобы каждая корректировка была точной и доказуемой.
Выяснить больше – http://narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-nizhnem-novgorode16.ru/narkolog-nizhnij-novgorod-na-dom/
Fresh Trend Market – Smooth interface and a good selection of modern pieces throughout.
цена усиления проема usilenie-proemov2.ru .
Trend Market Hub – Smooth browsing experience and a solid selection of modern products.
Trend Market Online – Browsing worked perfectly and the assortment of products was impressive.
TAB Picks Hub – Loved the product range, exploring the site was straightforward.
услуга усиления проема https://usilenie-proemov2.ru/ .
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my weblog so i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Trendy Picks Market – The website felt organized and the product lineup stood out nicely.
Fresh Update Market – Everything is arranged in a clean way, and navigating feels effortless.
Rare Flora Finds – Items looked lovely and the browsing experience felt light and refreshing.
TAB Trend Store – Stylish items showcased well, browsing the site felt effortless.
TAB World Online – Great selection of products, navigation felt smooth and simple.
Remarkable! Its actually remarkable post, I have got much clear idea concerning from this paragraph.
escort Rio
BrightOptionsHub – Really liked the variety, it helped me quickly select the perfect items.
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Dabet Vietnam official entry địa chỉ truy cập Dabet mới nhất địa chỉ truy cập Dabet mới nhất
Flora Collection Store – Great mix of nature-inspired products and a friendly, flowing interface.
Rare Flora Market – Loved the charming plant-themed items, and navigating the site felt calming.
Fresh Picks Online – The new additions look sharp, and everything is arranged clearly.
FreshToday Hub – Nicely arranged items with quick navigation that makes scrolling effortless.
https://planbet.sbs/# planbet
TAB World Store – Lots of appealing products, moving through sections was smooth.
Nagad88 আপডেটেড প্রবেশ ঠিকানা: Nagad88 কাজ করা লিংক Bangladesh – Nagad88 Bangladesh official access
ChoiceCornerOnline – Excellent selection and very easy to find exactly what I needed.
BrightPickHub – Loved the wide selection, made it easy to find exactly what I was looking for.
Freshness Daily Hub – The site feels tidy and responsive, with items easy to locate.
SmartPickCollection – Great selection of products, really helped me make the right choice.
Thanks for another magnificent article. The place else may anyone get that type of info in such a perfect manner of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the search for such information.
Rio independent escort