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.
working DarazPlay access page: DarazPlay ??????? ???? ??????? ?????? – darazplay
Magnificent website. Lots of useful info here. I’m sending it to a few pals ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks in your sweat!
Daily Outlet Store – A solid range of items is shown, with navigation that’s smooth and quick.
Budget Joy Hub – Pages feel responsive and the collection of value items is appealing.
новые бездепозитные бонусы в казино за регистрацию с выводом без пополнения Ищете надежное онлайн-казино? Смотрите рейтинги! Чтобы не ошибиться с выбором и играть в проверенных местах, используйте рейтинги казино. Они составлены экспертами и учитывают все важные для игрока моменты: от ассортимента игр до безопасности и скорости вывода средств. Найдите свое идеальное казино с помощью рейтинга!
Сочетание медицинских и психотерапевтических мер создаёт устойчивую систему поддержки. Пациенты получают возможность постепенно восстановить утраченное здоровье и психологическую стабильность.
Подробнее тут – наркологическая клиника нарколог в казани
Soft Willow Lifestyle – Clean layout and a relaxing vibe make browsing smooth.
Daily Finds Outlet – Many items stand out here, and checking through them is quick and simple.
Value Shop Online – A clean design with affordable finds that are simple to browse.
SoftWillow Goods – Items are thoughtfully presented with a serene, inviting atmosphere.
SoftWillow Picks – Gentle visuals and unique products make exploring enjoyable.
בלי הרוך שהיא התלוננה עליו. היא צעקה בהפתעה, אבל רגליה עטופות בעצמן סביב ירכיי. נכנסתי אליה בדחיפה חדה ועצבנית אחת. היא הייתה רטובה. רטוב מאוד. מכל זה. מהתכתבות, מהצילום, מההשפלה עוזר לה ברצון, החל לנוע בקצב בידיה ובפה. היא מצצה, לישה את האשכים, אוחזת בחבית ביד השנייה כדי שדניס לא יכניס אותה לגמרי לגרונה. – אה! אה! – הבחור גנח. הוא חבט באגרופו על הקיר והחל karnakriya.co.il
SoftWillow Online – Loved the curated, calming collection and smooth navigation.
pin up futbol tikish http://pinup5010.ru/
pin up savollar va javoblar pin up savollar va javoblar
pin up bonus kodu https://pinup5009.ru/
Wonderful site. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you to your effort!
HeartMedsEasyBuy: cheap hydrochlorothiazide – Heart Meds Easy Buy
HotSavings – Fast website, and finding discounts was straightforward and easy.
1xbet промокод при регистрации Получите промокод на http://www.iscgroup.ru/banners/img/promokod_1xbet_na_segodnya_pri_registracii.html и получите бонус 100% на первый депозит при регистрации для максимального старта.
Реабилитационные программы в наркологической клинике направлены на нормализацию обменных процессов, восстановление сна, эмоциональной стабильности и когнитивных функций. Для достижения этого используются методы физиотерапии, нутритивной поддержки и коррекции поведения. Основное внимание уделяется мотивации пациента, работе с созависимостью и обучению навыкам здорового взаимодействия с окружающей средой.
Ознакомиться с деталями – платная наркологическая клиника
BargainHunter – The site loads quickly, and finding deals felt super straightforward.
Наркологическая клиника в клинике в Нижнем Новгороде использует многопрофильный подход, направленный на физическое и психологическое восстановление пациентов. После детоксикации проводится стабилизация обменных процессов, нормализация работы внутренних органов и поддержка нервной системы. Особое внимание уделяется коррекции поведения и мотивации пациента к отказу от употребления алкоголя или наркотиков.
Ознакомиться с деталями – наркологическая клиника цены в нижнем новгороде
Heart Meds Easy Buy: buy lisinopril online – buy blood pressure meds
написание курсовой на заказ цена написание курсовой на заказ цена .
SunColor Hub Online – Pleasant browsing, bright items displayed clearly, interface intuitive.
dyson официальный сайт в россии fen-d-3.ru .
куплю курсовую работу куплю курсовую работу .
фен купить дайсон фен купить дайсон .
SunColor Finds – Pleasant browsing, vibrant items easy to explore, site layout feels clean.
Shop SunColor – Navigation simple, vibrant items easy to locate, site feels modern and welcoming.
SunColor Treasures – Pleasant layout, vibrant products easy to browse, navigation feels intuitive.
сайт заказать курсовую работу сайт заказать курсовую работу .
заказать курсовую заказать курсовую .
заказать задание https://kupit-kursovuyu-25.ru/ .
пин ап рулетка http://pinup5009.ru/
написать курсовую работу на заказ в москве http://www.kupit-kursovuyu-25.ru .
porn online porn online .
nugget porn videos nugget porn videos .
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Many thanks
https://diabetesmedseasybuy.com/# Empagliflozin
World Fashion Hub – Fast page transitions with a modern feel and diverse fashion picks.
пин ап пополнение через карту пин ап пополнение через карту
inspire your adventure – Products appear inspiring, navigating the site is smooth today.
Majestic Grovers – Grover-inspired products displayed neatly, browsing feels effortless and smooth.
Modern Fashion Picks – Fast and easy navigation with a well-organized display of styles.
daily fashion market – Fashion selections look attractive, browsing is quick and intuitive.
Wild Rose Picks – Boutique has a lovely atmosphere, found some special items easily.
daily inspiration hub – Selections are neatly displayed, navigating the site feels effortless.
курсовой проект цена http://www.kupit-kursovuyu-21.ru/ .