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.
Hi, I would like to subscribe for this weblog to get hottest updates, so where can i do it please help out.
fliv
куплю курсовую работу куплю курсовую работу .
написать курсовую на заказ написать курсовую на заказ .
пин ап регистрация по коду https://www.pinup5010.ru
курсовой проект купить цена курсовой проект купить цена .
pin up qanday pul yechiladi https://pinup5009.ru/
pin up promokod orqali bonus olish http://pinup5009.ru/
бездепозитный бонус за регистрацию в казино с выводом денег без первого депозита и без отыгрыша Хотите испытать удачу и окунуться в мир азарта? Игровые автоматы – это то, что вам нужно! Яркие картинки, захватывающие звуки и, конечно же, шанс сорвать куш – всё это ждет вас в мире слотов. От классических “одноруких бандитов” до современных видеослотов с невероятными бонусами, каждый найдет автомат по душе. Готовы к вращению барабанов?
помощь студентам и школьникам http://kupit-kursovuyu-25.ru .
300 рублей за регистрацию в казино без депозита Ищете лучшие казино? Мы собрали для вас топ! Если вы в поисках проверенных и надежных онлайн-казино, где можно насладиться азартом и выиграть по-крупному, то вы попали по адресу. Мы подготовили для вас актуальный список лучших казино, которые зарекомендовали себя высоким качеством игр, щедрыми бонусами и безупречной репутацией. Откройте для себя мир захватывающих слотов, классических настольных игр и живого дилера – все это в самых топовых заведениях!
pin up app uz pin up app uz
LeafOutlet Hub – Nice, simple design that offers a quick and pleasant browsing session.
где можно купить курсовую работу kupit-kursovuyu-25.ru .
pin up yangi domen pin up yangi domen
learn & grow hub – Items look useful, site navigation is simple and intuitive.
В мегаполисе привычный ритм часто мешает системному лечению: плотный график, транспортные задержки, высокая социальная видимость. Чтобы терапия проходила спокойно, «НеоТрезвие СПБ» использует «немаркированную» логистику: нейтральные формулировки в документах, аккуратные визиты, разнесенные по времени консультации специалистов и персональный координатор. По желанию пациента часть этапов — образовательные сессии и посткодовое сопровождение — выполняются онлайн. Это снижает тревогу и делает маршрут лечения менее заметным для окружения.
Подробнее тут – https://kodirovanie-ot-alkogolizma-v-spb16.ru/kodirovanie-ot-alkogolizma-na-domu-v-sankt-peterburge
ModernHome Styles – Pages opened quickly, and the selection of items looked modern and clean.
Wild Rose Treasures – Pleasant browsing experience with delightful surprises along the way.
LeafChoice Outlet – The items feel curated and the browsing experience is pleasantly smooth.
MidCity Outlet – Items arranged neatly, site loads fast and browsing is intuitive.
LeafOutlet Online – Smooth experience overall, and the fresh picks look nicely arranged.
best home corner – Home finds are well displayed, site feels simple and convenient to browse.
learners’ hub click – Products look well-curated, site navigation is effortless.
discover & learn – Products feel motivating, site loads quickly and is easy to use.
Modern Home Picks – Easy navigation with a streamlined layout that made browsing pleasant.
LeafOutlet Select – The catalog feels fresh with an easy-to-navigate interface.
Modern Decor Picks – Quick navigation and a neat, organized interface made browsing easy.
WildRose Finds – Warm and inviting atmosphere, browsing revealed a few delightful items.
MidCity Finds – Items displayed clearly, site navigation is simple and smooth.
MidCity Finds Hub – Collections appear well-curated, browsing is intuitive and fast.
best home deals – Home options look attractive, browsing is smooth and effortless.
top home selections – Home items are visually appealing, site layout is smooth and easy.
knowledge hub click – Selections appear educational, navigating the site feels easy.
WildRose Picks Online – Friendly and inviting feel, discovered a few special pieces.
Modern Home Hub – Sleek home items displayed neatly, and navigation was smooth and intuitive.
MidCity Selection – Attractive items displayed nicely, site loads quickly and navigation is easy.
Magnificent site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to several buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you for your sweat!
посетить сайт https://krab1cc.at/
Valuable information. Fortunate me I found your web site unintentionally, and I am surprised why this twist of fate didn’t took place in advance! I bookmarked it.
Worldwide Premium Hub – Products are thoughtfully selected, navigation felt effortless today.
В этом обзоре представлены различные методы избавления от зависимости, включая терапевтические и психологические подходы. Мы сравниваем их эффективность и предоставляем рекомендации для тех, кто хочет вернуться к трезвой жизни. Читатели смогут найти информацию о реабилитационных центрах и поддерживающих группах.
Разобраться лучше – наркологический вывод из запоя Симферополь
пин ап ставки на футбол пин ап ставки на футбол
Magnificent site. Lots of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thank you in your effort!
Wonderful web site. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks in your effort!
пин ап лицензия пин ап лицензия
pin up ro‘yxatdan qanday o‘tish pinup5010.ru
игровые автоматы без депозита с бонусом за регистрацию Как найти “то самое” онлайн-казино? Рейтинги знают ответ! Задумывались ли вы, как отличить хорошее онлайн-казино от посредственного? Ответ прост – рейтинги казино. Они систематизируют информацию и помогают игрокам быстро понять, где стоит играть, а где лучше пройти мимо. Изучите актуальные рейтинги и сделайте свой выбор осознанно!
пин ап активация бонуса пин ап активация бонуса
Premium Global Selections – Items feel handpicked with care, browsing felt effortless.
Global Curated Marketplace – Items have a premium feel, browsing was very enjoyable.