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.
Hello, always i used to check website posts here early
in the dawn, for the reason that i enjoy to gain knowledge of
more and more.
Design Hub Studio – Creative selection with smooth navigation, enjoyed looking through the products.
Fashion Picks Hub – Fashion items look appealing, exploring the site feels quick and simple.
Если у человека выраженное обезвоживание, скачки давления и пульса, эпизоды спутанности сознания, упорная рвота, «дергающийся» сон или тяжёлая сопутствующая патология, стационар закрывает главный риск — непредсказуемое течение синдрома отмены. Круглосуточный мониторинг позволяет динамически корректировать схемы, подключать лабораторные и инструментальные исследования по показаниям, своевременно восполнять дефициты и удерживать стабильный сон. На практике «короткое окно» госпитализации (24–48 часов) нередко дешевле на дистанции: оно предотвращает осложнения и повторные вызовы, которые растягивают курс и увеличивают суммарные затраты. Для жителей Москвы мы разносim визиты по времени, используем отдельные входы и «тихие» маршруты, чтобы сохранить приватность. После стабилизации маршрут переводится в амбулаторный или домашний формат: пациент получает план питания и активности, контрольные контакты и правила, при каких признаках связаться немедленно, не дожидаясь «как будет утром».
Детальнее – vyvod-iz-zapoya-moskva-na-domu
FashionChoiceDaily – Neatly displayed products, fast navigation, and intuitive browsing.
Styled Home Finds – Products give off a clean, modern feel without sacrificing function.
Thanks for finally writing about > %blog_title% < Liked it!
canadian pharmacy king reviews: best canadian pharmacy – canadian pharmacy meds reviews
YOURURL.com russian traditional clothing
DailyTrendSpot – Clear layout, trendy picks, and effortless navigation for shoppers.
Home Style Inspiration – The designs suggest comfort, style, and everyday practicality.
Curated Home Ideas – The layout suggests smart design choices that fit modern homes.
https://unmpharm.com/# cheap mexican pharmacy
Modern Home Lifestyle – The concept highlights stylish living with sensible product choices.
DailyFashionFinder – Browsing is simple, products are trendy, and site layout is user-friendly.
вертикальная гидроизоляция подвала [url=http://gidroizolyacziya-podvala-iznutri-czena1.ru/]http://gidroizolyacziya-podvala-iznutri-czena1.ru/[/url] .
стоимость гидроизоляции подвала https://www.gidroizolyacziya-podvala-iznutri-czena1.ru .
аренда экскаватора погрузчика jcb цена http://www.arenda-ekskavatora-pogruzchika-6.ru .
мелбет официальный мелбет официальный .
гидроизоляция цена за рулон гидроизоляция цена за рулон .
freshhomefinds – FreshHomeFinds features a modern range with clear, concise information that makes browsing effortless.
аренда экскаваторов погрузчиков аренда экскаваторов погрузчиков .
melbet sports melbet sports .
гидроизоляция цена за работу гидроизоляция цена за работу .
контора мелбет контора мелбет .
фен дайсон оригинал фен дайсон оригинал .
melbet website russia melbet website russia .
дайсон фен купить в москве оригинал дайсон фен купить в москве оригинал .
играть в слоты онлайн играть в слоты онлайн .
melbet bonus code melbet bonus code .
casino online game casino online game .
chicken road game chicken road game .
melbet free bet promo code melbet free bet promo code .
демо слот дог хаус мегавейс демо слот дог хаус мегавейс .
Your Daily Picks Online – Well-presented items, clean layout, and fast, easy browsing throughout.
best india pharmacy: Umass India Pharm – cheapest online pharmacy india
bestfindshub – BestFindsHub offers a sleek, modern assortment with clear product descriptions for each item.
trendshopzone – TrendShopZone provides contemporary products that are easy to browse with clear descriptions.
YourDaily Market – Attractive presentation of daily products, smooth page transitions, and fast browsing.
DailyCollection Finds – Clean layout with clearly displayed items and intuitive navigation.
SoftSky Lifestyle – Calm and smooth navigation with a pleasant color scheme.
pin up uzcard orqali pul olish pin up uzcard orqali pul olish
Daily Collection Online – Fast-loading pages and well-arranged daily products make exploration simple.
smartshopzone – SmartShopZone presents a fresh range with clear and concise product details for easier shopping.
Soft Sky Goods – Calm and neat design makes browsing a pleasant experience.
SoftSky Picks – Easy-to-browse interface with soft tones and calm design.
SoftSky Finds – Peaceful design with soft colors, exploring the store was easy.
Unm Pharm order from mexican pharmacy online Unm Pharm
Мы дозировано упоминаем географию — важнее не слово «Нижний Новгород», а предсказуемость процесса. Пациент получает «вечерний протокол» — краткие инструкции на ближайшие 12 часов: как пить воду малыми порциями, как приглушить свет, какое «окно тишины» соблюсти перед сном, когда связаться с дежурным врачом и какие маркеры фиксировать в «дневнике симптомов» (шкалы тремора, тревоги, тошноты по 0–10; время засыпания; число пробуждений).
Подробнее можно узнать тут – наркологическая клиника нарколог
Design Collective Marketplace – Stylish presentation with well-organized products and effortless browsing.