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.
фирма натяжные потолки http://natyazhnye-potolki-samara-6.ru/ .
Процесс терапии включает несколько последовательных шагов:
Детальнее – http://
потолочек ру https://www.natyazhnye-potolki-samara-6.ru .
компания потолочкин натяжные потолки https://www.natyazhnye-potolki-nizhniy-novgorod-7.ru .
натяжной потолок на кухне дешево натяжной потолок на кухне дешево .
pharmacy in canada canadian pharmacy online store canadian pharmacy 24h com
бездепозитные бонусы за регистрацию в казино без депозита
бездепозитные бонусы за регистрацию в казино с выводом без пополнения 2024 без отыгрыша
как использовать бонусный счет на 1win в казино бонус
узаконить перепланировку квартиры в москве цены http://skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku-4.ru .
сколько стоит узаконить перепланировку в квартире http://skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku-4.ru .
I’ve learned so much from this single post.
canadian pharmacy meds review: Nyu Pharm – canadian drug pharmacy
потолочкин ру http://www.natyazhnye-potolki-nizhniy-novgorod-5.ru .
натяжные потолки нижний новгород отзывы натяжные потолки нижний новгород отзывы .
Design inspiration hub – The site is visually engaging, highlighting products creatively and clearly.
Incredible quest there. What occurred after? Take care!
Artisan home hub – The site feels creative, showcasing items in a clean and visually engaging way.
Creative decor shop – Items are visually appealing, and the site makes exploring designs effortless.
UrbanField Designs Hub – Polished and creative, really enjoyed exploring all the featured pieces.
Purpose-Driven Hub – Clear, minimal layout with thoughtfully arranged sections and intuitive navigation.
Wild Hollow curated – Browsing flows naturally, with products that are visually striking and well presented.
Purposeful Home & Style – Well-arranged sections with smooth browsing and a clear layout.
UrbanField Works – A great mix of artistic displays, navigation feels smooth and natural.
UrbanField Creations – Clean and artistic style throughout, made for a pleasant experience.
Creative portfolio hub – The platform highlights artistic work in an organized and professional manner.
Visit our digital platform : http://hammill.ru/
Purposeful Living Marketplace – Thoughtfully structured products with easy-to-follow navigation.
Portfolio exploration hub – The site organizes and presents creative projects in a professional manner.
Professional design showcase – Visitors can explore projects effectively with a clear and polished presentation.
UrbanField Studio Link – Very polished and aesthetically pleasing, enjoyed discovering each piece.
Explore Sergii Dima – Work is presented clearly, giving visitors a professional impression.
школа для детей школа для детей .
Клиника принимает 24/7 без очередей: ночной блок специально настроен под «трудные часы», когда усиливаются панические мысли и реактивность пульса. Для тех, кому легче дома, выездная служба приводит помощь в знакомое пространство; если нужны короткие контрольные включения, применяем видеосвязь вечером (15–20 минут), чтобы корректно настроить ритуалы засыпания, дыхательные циклы и «световые правила». Маршрут фиксируется в единой карте наблюдения — этот документ доступен команде по ролям и защищает от «повторов заново», когда формат меняется (дом – амбулатория – стационар).
Получить дополнительную информацию – https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-stavropole15.ru/chastnaya-narkologicheskaya-klinika-stavropol/
курсы стриминг http://shkola-onlajn5.ru .
explorefreshthinkingnow.click – Practical tips, site supports refreshing ideas and improving decision-making efficiently and clearly.
Эта карта — рабочий инструмент: она не только структурирует действия персонала, но и снижает тревогу пациента и семьи. Появляется чувство контроля: понятно, что происходит сейчас и к чему мы идём через час, три и до утра.
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – https://narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-murmanske15.ru/murmansk-narkologicheskaya-bolnicza/
натяжные потолки нижний новгород цена natyazhnye-potolki-nizhniy-novgorod-4.ru .
потолочкин отзывы клиентов нижний новгород https://www.natyazhnye-potolki-nizhniy-novgorod-4.ru .
натяжные потолки потолочкин отзывы самара https://natyazhnye-potolki-samara-8.ru .
проект перепланировки квартиры москва проект перепланировки квартиры москва .
potolochkin http://www.natyazhnye-potolki-samara-8.ru .
потолочкин натяжные потолки самара http://www.natyazhnye-potolki-samara-7.ru .
проект перепланировки москва проект перепланировки москва .
потолки самары потолки самары .