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.
have a peek at this web-site http://ingenieriaymantenimiento.blogspot.com/2009/10/calculo-de-indicadores-de-confiabilidad.html
Distinctive artisan store – The site showcases creative pieces, making browsing fun and smooth.
Каждый из методов подбирается индивидуально, что позволяет учитывать медицинские показания и личные особенности пациента.
Подробнее – https://lechenie-alkogolizma-perm0.ru/lechenie-alkogolizma-perm-anonimno
Michael D Fountain insights – Navigation is smooth, and the site offers enjoyable, easy-to-read content.
I just couldn’t go away your site before suggesting that I actually loved the standard info an individual supply in your visitors? Is gonna be again continuously in order to inspect new posts
Wildwood design hub – Each product is thoughtfully curated, and navigation is effortless and enjoyable.
Creative finds boutique – Browsing feels natural, with well-presented artisan items for users.
buy cialis from mexico online mexico pharmacy USA Unm Pharm
Personal insights hub – The site offers interesting content that is simple to access and navigate.
Michael D site hub – Visitors can browse personal content effortlessly and enjoyably.
http://umassindiapharm.com/# Umass India Pharm
Handmade collection shop – The artisan items stand out, and the browsing experience is clear and satisfying.
Hi, its good post regarding media print, we all be familiar with media is a fantastic source of data.
crypto liquidity marketplace
Minimal Artisan Finds – Minimal touches enhance the artisan feel without slowing the experience.
новые бездепозитные бонусы в казино за регистрацию с выводом без пополнения
Michael D content hub – The platform makes exploring posts simple and enjoyable with clear navigation.
Creative Artisan Hub – Creative energy stands out while the structure remains clean and usable.
Modern Artisan Shop – Blends modern clarity with artisan charm, making navigation simple and inviting.
Organic Style Marketplace – Organic styling choices matched with a layout that feels easygoing.
Magnificent web site. Lots of helpful information here. I am sending it to several pals ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks for your effort!
Unm Pharm: best prices on finasteride in mexico – Unm Pharm
изготовить наклейки на заказ http://www.pechatnakleekmsk.ru .
Excellent website. A lot of helpful information here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you to your effort!
производство наклеек http://www.pechatnakleekmsk.ru .
электрокарниз двухрядный elektrokarniz6.ru .
электрокарниз двухрядный цена elektrokarniz6.ru .
Эти направления формируют основу лечения и обеспечивают комплексное воздействие на проблему зависимости.
Получить больше информации – наркологическая клиника наркологический центр омск
Wonderful website. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks for your sweat!
Magnificent site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And naturally, thank you in your sweat!
Great delivery. Solid arguments. Keep up the amazing effort.
печные проекты Купить проект отопительно-варочной печи – практичное решение для тех, кто ценит функциональность и желает иметь возможность готовить на традиционной печи.
согласование перепланировки согласование перепланировки .
перепланировка квартиры москва перепланировка квартиры москва .
http://nyupharm.com/# buy canadian drugs
see this here https://daodao.cfd
бездепозитные бонусы за регистрацию в казино с выводом без пополнения и без вейджера 1000
canadian pharmacy: canadian pharmacy no scripts – canadian pharmacy
Restful milestones hub – Stories and achievements are shared in a clear, organized manner for easy reading.
Street style boutique – Products are fashionable, and the layout supports smooth browsing.
Resourceful milestones portal – The site presents stories and events in a logical, user-friendly way.
Story and milestone hub – Content is organized to highlight achievements and narratives effectively.
Trendy finds store – A modern interface makes shopping enjoyable, with products that reflect urban style.
Visit Urban Legend – Browsing feels effortless, and the products reflect a stylish urban aesthetic.
Milestone archive hub – Stories and milestones are shared in an organized, easy-to-navigate format.
Urban Legend Store – The site has a modern, trendy vibe with items that are easy to browse.
заказать печать наклеек москва pechatnakleekmsk.ru .
заказать печать наклеек москва pechatnakleekmsk.ru .
как играть на бонус казино в 1win
modernculturecollective.click – Simple navigation and strong visuals make this platform pleasant overall.
http://unmpharm.com/# Unm Pharm