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.
I’m now not sure where you’re getting your info, however great topic. I must spend some time studying more or understanding more. Thank you for great information I used to be in search of this information for my mission.
поисковое продвижение портала увеличить трафик специалисты prodvizhenie-sajta-po-trafiku2.ru .
поисковое продвижение инфо сайта увеличить трафик специалисты prodvizhenie-sajta-po-trafiku2.ru .
Кодирование от алкоголизма — это медицинская процедура, направленная на формирование устойчивого отвращения к спиртному и восстановление контроля над зависимым поведением. В клинике «ВолгоградМед Альянс» используются современные, научно обоснованные методы, которые позволяют не просто временно ограничить тягу, а глубоко перестроить психологические и биохимические механизмы зависимости. Каждая программа подбирается индивидуально, с учётом стажа употребления, состояния здоровья, мотивации и психоэмоционального фона пациента. Врачи обеспечивают анонимность, безопасность и круглосуточную поддержку, помогая восстановить не только физическое состояние, но и внутреннее равновесие.
Углубиться в тему – https://kodirovanie-ot-alkogolizma-v-volgograde17.ru
локальное seo блог seo-blog12.ru .
Now I am going away to do my breakfast, afterward having my breakfast coming yet again to read additional news.
маркетинговые стратегии статьи маркетинговые стратегии статьи .
продвижение наркологии seo-kejsy8.ru .
многоуровневый линкбилдинг многоуровневый линкбилдинг .
кп по продвижению сайта кп по продвижению сайта .
заказ кухни спб kuhni-na-zakaz-5ru .
https://app.roll20.net/users/17324216/john-willamson
google посещаемость сайта google посещаемость сайта .
кухни на заказ в спб цены кухни на заказ в спб цены .
п»їJust now, I came across an interesting guide regarding ordering meds from India. The site discusses how to save money for generic meds. If anyone wants factory prices, visit this link: п»їuseful link. Might be useful.
seo продвижение по трафику clover prodvizhenie-sajta-po-trafiku1.ru .
сео продвижение за процент кловер prodvizhenie-sajta-po-trafiku1.ru .
Все процедуры выполняются анонимно и с соблюдением медицинских стандартов. Препараты применяются только сертифицированные, рассчитанные на мягкое восстановление организма без побочных эффектов. При необходимости лечение продолжается в стационаре, где пациент получает круглосуточное наблюдение, питание и психологическую поддержку.
Получить дополнительные сведения – вывод из запоя круглосуточно новокузнецк
Excellent beat ! I wish to apprentice even as you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a weblog site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided brilliant clear concept
п»їActually, I found an interesting article regarding generic pills availability. It details FDA equivalents on prescriptions. If you are looking for Trusted pharmacy sources, check this out: п»їis mexipharmacy legit. Cheers.
современные кухни на заказ в спб kuhni-na-zakaz-4ru .
кухни под заказ спб кухни под заказ спб .
see https://onetlmesecret.com
продвижение сайта трафику продвижение сайта трафику .
ндс в эстонии https://www.financeprofessional.ee .
Your expertise on this subject shines through in this post.
продвижение сайта трафиком продвижение сайта трафиком .
какой налог в эстонии https://financeprofessional.ee .
п»їRecently, I found an informative resource concerning generic pills from India. It covers the manufacturing standards on prescriptions. In case you need Trusted Indian sources, check this out: п»їhttps://kisawyer.us.com/# best india pharmacy. It helped me.
п»їLately, I came across a helpful resource concerning safe pharmacy shipping. It covers FDA equivalents for ED medication. For those interested in cheaper alternatives, read this: п»їresource. It helped me.
продвижение сайта в топ по трафику prodvizhenie-sajta-po-trafiku2.ru .
seo продвижение трафику seo продвижение трафику .
низкотемпературный плазменный стерилизатор plazm-sterilizatory.ru .
плазменный стерилизатор медицинский plazm-sterilizatory.ru .
стерилизатор плазменный plazmennyy-sterilizator.ru .
плазменный стерилизатор медицинский plazmennyy-sterilizator.ru .
I am no longer positive where you’re getting your info, however great topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or working out more. Thank you for great information I used to be on the lookout for this info for my mission.
Great advice! I’ll definitely be implementing some of these tips.
I’m no longer positive the place you’re getting your information, however great topic. I needs to spend some time finding out more or working out more. Thanks for excellent information I used to be looking for this info for my mission.
Your way of telling all in this article is in fact pleasant, all can easily be aware of it, Thanks a lot.