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.
электрокарниз москва elektrokarniz6.ru .
карнизы для штор с электроприводом карнизы для штор с электроприводом .
This post is worth everyone’s attention. Where can I find out more?
бездепозитные бонусы за регистрацию в казино с выводом без пополнения и без вейджера
canada drugs online review: pharmacy wholesalers canada – buying from canadian pharmacies
Fantastic website. A lot of useful info here. I’m sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thanks in your effort!
Excellent blog you have got here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate individuals like you!
freshideas.click – Hub helping individuals identify novel opportunities and think outside the box.
nextgenideas.click – Platform helping users uncover creative opportunities and novel solutions.
creativehub.click – Platform motivates users to explore inventive ideas and fresh approaches.
best india pharmacy Umass India Pharm Umass India Pharm
thinkcreatively.click – Hub motivating individuals to explore inventive approaches and consider fresh possibilities.
worldstylehub – WorldStyleHub presents unique, globally influenced items for enjoyable discovery.
exoticmarketplace – ExoticMarketplace showcases items inspired by diverse cultures for a pleasant shopping experience.
worldgoodscentral – WorldGoodsCentral features a colorful selection of items inspired by cultures worldwide.
If you desire to improve your know-how only keep visiting this website and be updated with the newest news update posted here.
Не всегда человек способен прекратить употребление алкоголя без медицинского вмешательства. Чем дольше длится запой, тем выше риск осложнений. Обратиться к специалисту следует при появлении следующих признаков:
Исследовать вопрос подробнее – https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-v-tyumeni17.ru
Перед таблицей зафиксируем принцип: это ориентир по этапам для семьи и пациента. Врач адаптирует длительность и насыщенность под возраст, сопутствующие заболевания и исходное состояние.
Ознакомиться с деталями – рейтинг наркологических клиник
internationalbuyzone – InternationalBuyZone delivers a colorful mix of products inspired by cultures worldwide with effortless browsing.
Innovation showcase portal – Users can explore projects and concepts with appealing visual design.
Pleasant decor hub – The warm tones create a relaxing experience, with products that feel carefully chosen.
Creative projects portal – The platform highlights ideas in a clear, visually attractive manner.
Explore Phantom Circle – The site presents ideas and initiatives in a visually compelling way for visitors.
Warm style boutique – The aesthetic is comforting, and navigating the site feels effortless.
Comfort decor shop – The warm design creates a soothing atmosphere for exploring inviting products.
Creative hub – Projects and concepts are highlighted with captivating design elements.
Наркологическая клиника в Омске оказывает специализированную помощь людям, столкнувшимся с алкогольной, наркотической и другими формами зависимости. Здесь используются современные методы диагностики, терапии и реабилитации, которые помогают не только стабилизировать состояние, но и восстановить здоровье в долгосрочной перспективе. Работа ведётся с учётом принципов конфиденциальности, что создаёт условия для комфортного прохождения лечения.
Подробнее тут – https://narcologicheskaya-klinika-omsk0.ru/narkologi-omska/
Explore Sunset Pine – The store gives off a soothing atmosphere, with items that are easy to explore.
Unm Pharm: mexico pharmacies prescription drugs – Unm Pharm
QQ88 – Nhà cái giải trí trực tuyến uy tín châu Á, hội tụ casino, thể thao, nổ hũ, bắn cá, xổ số với bảo mật cao và thưởng hấp dẫn.
https://unmpharm.xyz/# mexico pharmacy
I know this site offers quality dependent posts and extra data, is there any other web site which provides such stuff in quality?
order from mexican pharmacy online: Unm Pharm – Unm Pharm
MK8 นำเสนอเกมหลากหลายประเภททั้งสล็อต คาสิโนสด กีฬา ยิงปลา และลอตเตอรี่ ที่ตอบโจทย์ผู้เล่นทุกสไตล์อย่างครบถ้วน. แพลตฟอร์มถูกออกแบบให้ใช้งานง่าย รองรับทุกอุปกรณ์และโหลดไวทันใจ. ผู้เล่นยังได้รับสิทธิ์รับโบนัสต้อนรับ โปรโมชั่นรายวัน และกิจกรรมพิเศษมากมาย. ระบบฝาก–ถอนปลอดภัยและโปร่งใส พร้อมทีมบริการลูกค้าตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง ทำให้ MK8 เป็นตัวเลือกที่เชื่อถือได้สำหรับผู้เล่นในประเทศไทย.
электрический карниз для штор купить elektrokarniz4.ru .
invest in Russia http://financialit.net/modules/articles/?how_to_invest_in_russia_and_start_a_business_a_guide_for_us_citizens.html .
Russian Golden Visa http://www.daily.kaohoon.com/wp-content/uploads/pgs/?cost-of-living-in-russia-financial-planning-for-shared-values-visa.html/ .
электрический карниз для штор купить elektrokarniz4.ru .
invest in Russia http://www.financialit.net/modules/articles/?how_to_invest_in_russia_and_start_a_business_a_guide_for_us_citizens.html .
shared values visa lempreintedigitale.com/wp-content/pgs/russian-golden-visa-vs-canada-investor-immigration-which-is-better.html .
movetorussia com http://absolutecreativemarketing.co.uk/pages/best-5-russian-immigration-services-for-uk-citizens-2026.html/ .
movetorussia com http://www.actuabd.com/cookies/articles/?life_in_russia_a_guide_for_new_expats.html/ .
Вызов нарколога на дом — это не «капельница как панацея», а управляемая последовательность решений с ясными целями, измеримыми маркерами и понятными «окнами оценки». В «СамарМед Ассист» мы строим лечение из узких модулей: сначала проверяем базовую безопасность (дыхание, сознание, гемодинамика), затем возвращаем переносимость питья, стабилизируем вегетатику, собираем ночь, и только после этого занимаемся дневной выносливостью и бытовой устойчивостью. Такой ритм исключает полипрагмазию, снижает фармаконагрузку и превращает первые часы из хаотичной «борьбы с симптомами» в спокойный, предсказуемый маршрут. Семья получает роль партнёра, а не наблюдателя: по простым ориентирам понятно, что считать нормой, когда звонить врачу и на каком этапе модуль следует «выключить».
Подробнее – http://narkolog-na-dom-v-samare16.ru/vyvod-iz-zapoya-samara-narkolog-na-dom/https://narkolog-na-dom-v-samare16.ru
Sports fan portal – The platform shares news, game results, and interactive features for supporters.
Get More Info russian traditional clothing
Interactive sports hub – Lively updates and dynamic features make the site enjoyable for fans.
Fan engagement site – Content is dynamic and enjoyable, giving fans a great experience.
Golden Lane Creations – The collections feel refined, with a smooth browsing experience and carefully arranged items.
Super Ducks portal – Users can follow games, highlights, and player updates in a fun way.
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a colleague who was conducting a little research on this. And he actually ordered me dinner because I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this subject here on your web site.