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.
real mexican pharmacy USA shipping: Unm Pharm – prescription drugs mexico pharmacy
стайлер дайсон купить оригинал официальный сайт https://fen-dn-kupit-3.ru .
FVC Online Store – Value corner selections feel solid, navigation is simple and fast.
Fashion Value Finds – Value selections are attractive, exploring feels effortless and enjoyable.
дайсон стайлер официальный сайт цена fen-dn-kupit-3.ru .
«Трезвый Компас» — выездная и стационарная наркологическая служба, которая проводит профессиональный детокс с капельницей от запоя в Клину и районе круглосуточно. Мы приезжаем анонимно, начинаем с очной оценки, согласуем допуск к терапии, подбираем состав инфузии без «универсальных коктейлей» и объясняем простым языком, чего ждать в ближайшие часы. Цель — снять интоксикацию и абстиненцию, поддержать сердце и нервную систему, аккуратно наладить сон по показаниям и дать семье понятный план на 24–48 часов. Если риски высокие или дома невозможно обеспечить безопасную ночь, предложим стационар с круглосуточным наблюдением.
Ознакомиться с деталями – капельница от запоя услуги
pin up litsenziya pin up litsenziya
Fashion Value Market – Products are well organized, browsing feels natural and smooth.
промокод при регистрации мелбет промокод при регистрации мелбет .
промокод для мелбет промокод для мелбет .
дайсон стайлер для волос с насадками цена купить официальный сайт fen-dn-kupit-1.ru .
официальный сайт дайсон в москве интернет магазин http://fen-dn-kupit-1.ru .
игра чикен роад игра чикен роад .
chicken road game chicken road game .
EverLine Picks – Items feel crafted with care, creating a pleasant browsing experience.
thoughtfulhomehub – ThoughtfulHomeHub delivers a curated collection of products that made exploring easy and pleasant.
EverLine Artisan Studio – Beautifully crafted pieces with a strong artisan touch throughout.
EverLine Essentials – Strong artisan aesthetic, with every piece presented beautifully.
EverLine Studio Boutique – Artisan craftsmanship shines in every item and display.
modernfindshub – ModernFindsHub showcases well-chosen items in a clean, enjoyable layout.
modernstylehub – ModernStyleHub showcases thoughtfully arranged products that made browsing effortless.
melbet игры melbet игры .
мелбет официальный сайт казино мелбет официальный сайт казино .
https://unmpharm.com/# low cost mexico pharmacy online
I am actually thankful to the holder of this web page who has shared this great article at at this time.
thoughtfulpickscentral – ThoughtfulPicksCentral delivers items that feel thoughtfully selected and easy to navigate.
Философия клиники — «тихо, адресно, прозрачно». Выездная бригада приходит без маркировки, документы оформляются нейтрально, доступ к клинической записи разделён по ролям, а коммуникации со семьёй проходят короткими апдейтами в согласованные моменты. Такая организационная дисциплина — клинический инструмент: меньше сенсорного шума — ровнее пульс к вечеру, устойчивее засыпание и меньше потребность в «усилителях».
Разобраться лучше – вывод из запоя дешево в мурманске
WaterShoppe Lane – Gentle colors and streamlined menus make everything appear well placed and easy to view.
Refined Wardrobe Essentials – Browsing feels effortless with a well-organized display of items.
Домашний формат уместен, когда симптоматика контролируема и вечером рядом может остаться взрослый помощник. Преимущество Лобни — короткие дистанции внутри города, поэтому врач приезжает быстро, без шума и эмблем. На месте мы не торопимся: собеседование по факту последних 48 часов, измерения давления, пульса, сатурации и температуры, короткий неврологический скрининг, сверка аллергий и уже принятых препаратов. После допуска к терапии запускается инфузия: сначала — коррекция воды и электролитов, затем — поддержка печени и ЦНС, при необходимости — противорвотные и анксиолитические препараты. Темп настраивается по динамике, чтобы снять тремор и тошноту без «перекручивания» организма в сон с тяжёлым просыпанием. По итогам визита — понятные правила на 24–48 часов, список тревожных признаков и согласованное окно контрольного контакта. Домашний маршрут экономит часы, снижает социальную тревогу и делает первые сутки предсказуемыми.
Выяснить больше – https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-lobnya8.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-klinika-v-lobne/
промокод мелбет на сегодня при регистрации промокод мелбет на сегодня при регистрации .
вывоз мусора https://www.unews.pro/news/133692/ .