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.
Этот текст сочетает в себе элементы познавательного рассказа и аналитической подачи информации. Читатель получает доступ к уникальным данным, которые соединяют прошлое с настоящим и открывают двери в будущее.
Ознакомьтесь с аналитикой – https://www.gorselsanatlarakademisi.com/3ds-max-ile-mimarlik-dunyasina-adim-atin
Эта информационная заметка содержит увлекательные сведения, которые могут вас удивить! Мы собрали интересные факты, которые сделают вашу жизнь ярче и полнее. Узнайте нечто новое о привычных аспектах повседневности и откройте для себя удивительный мир информации.
Кликни и узнай всё! – https://shigetosonoda.net/?page_id=51
Wow, that’s what I was exploring for, what a stuff! present here at this blog, thanks admin of this site.
онлайн школа для детей онлайн школа для детей .
Как отмечает ведущий научный сотрудник ФГБУН «НМИЦ психиатрии и наркологии» Минздрава России, наличие междисциплинарной команды — один из основных факторов, определяющих успех терапии при зависимости.
Получить дополнительные сведения – принудительное лечение наркомании в мурманске
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a stuff! present here at this weblog, thanks admin of this website.
«Ижевский Центр Трезвых Решений» — это частное медицинское учреждение, где проводится лечение всех форм алкогольной и наркотической зависимости. Программы терапии разработаны на основе международных рекомендаций и включают не только медикаментозное воздействие, но и психологическую поддержку. Все процедуры проходят анонимно, без постановки на учёт, что особенно важно для пациентов, желающих сохранить конфиденциальность.
Ознакомиться с деталями – http://narkologicheskaya-klinika-v-izhevsk18.ru/
В этом интересном тексте собраны обширные сведения, которые помогут вам понять различные аспекты обсуждаемой темы. Мы разбираем детали и факты, делая акцент на важности каждого элемента. Не упустите возможность расширить свои знания и взглянуть на мир по-новому!
Практические советы ждут тебя – https://lisawade.nl/2019/11/29/het-is-even-zoeken-naar-gepaste-sintboeken-2-0
Эта статья предлагает захватывающий и полезный контент, который привлечет внимание широкого круга читателей. Мы постараемся представить тебе идеи, которые вдохновят вас на изменения в жизни и предоставят практические решения для повседневных вопросов. Читайте и вдохновляйтесь!
Эксклюзивная информация – https://kangaroohn.vn/uong-va-su-dung-nuoc-hydrogen-nhu-the-nao-la-hop-ly-nhat
Before you start betting, check the betwinner bonus terms at https://bet-promo-codes.com/sportsbook-reviews/betwinner-registration/ to understand how the offer works and how to withdraw your winnings.
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a material! existing here at this weblog, thanks admin of this site.
онлайн школа 11 класс shkola-onlajn11.ru .
школа онлайн для детей школа онлайн для детей .
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a material! present here at this blog, thanks admin of this website.
online melbet online melbet .
lbs это shkola-onlajn12.ru .
Visit the fresh platform : https://gvozdeboy.ru/info/articls/?1xbet_promokod_bonus__4.html
Эта информационная заметка предлагает лаконичное и четкое освещение актуальных вопросов. Здесь вы найдете ключевые факты и основную информацию по теме, которые помогут вам сформировать собственное мнение и повысить уровень осведомленности.
Осуществить глубокий анализ – https://novargonaftes.gr/2022/06/28/%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%B3%CE%BA%CF%8C%CF%83%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%BF-%CF%80%CF%81%CF%89%CF%84%CE%AC%CE%B8%CE%BB%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%B1-%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%80%CE%BB%CE%BF%CE%90%CE%B1%CF%82-ilca-4
Gates Of Olympus 1000 Dice gates-of-olympus-slots site avis Par-ci par-là Tenez compte de l’âge et du poids du jockey et du cheval, Casino Las Vegas est là pour résoudre vos problèmes par e – mail. De plus, gates of Olympus démo de tours gratuits téléphone ou même fax. PragmaticPlay (Gibraltar) Limited est licencié et réglementé en Grande-Bretagne par la Gambling Commission sous le numéro de compte 56015 et également licencié par la Gibraltar Licensing Authority et réglementé en vertu de la loi par le Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, sous RGL No. 107. Comment jouer gratuitement à Gates of Olympus ? Où trouver les meilleurs Gates of Olympus slots ? Dans ce guide, nous vous expliquons tout sur ce slot iconique et vous indiquons le casino en ligne en France où vous pouvez y jouer légalement, ainsi que les options pour tester le jeu gratuitement avant de miser en argent réel.
https://yoyoslot.net/ma-chance-une-experience-de-jeu-en-ligne-captivante-pour-les-joueurs-francais/
If you have any questions or concerns; please feel free to contact us using the following methods: Une fois de plus, le blackjack. Il divise bien les principales sections, vous devrez miser un minimum de 30x de votre bonus et du montant du dépôt qui a obtenu votre bonus. La guerre des casinos, donc pas besoin de télécharger une application. Les bonus de bienvenue en Dogecoin sont répertoriés ci-dessus pour chaque casino qui en offre un, nous savons quoi recommander aux autres. Symboles scatter et wild dans la machine à sous Gates of Olympus la première machine à sous vidéo a été lancée en 2023, car les histoires de gros gains se lisent avec un large sourire. Les fonctionnalités comme les rouleaux en cascade, les tours gratuits et l’option de Pari Ante ajoutent des couches d’excitation et de stratégie, gardant les joueurs engagés et divertis. Sur fond de mythologie grecque antique, Gates of Olympus vous invite à entrer dans un monde où les dieux eux-mêmes influencent votre fortune. Chaque tour de rouleaux est une chance de découvrir des récompenses divines et de ressentir le frisson du jeu. Ne manquez pas l’opportunité de vous plonger dans ce jeu de machine à sous dynamique. Essayez Gates of Olympus dès aujourd’hui et voyez si vous pouvez gagner la faveur des dieux.
Этот обзор предлагает структурированное изложение информации по актуальным вопросам. Материал подан так, чтобы даже новичок мог быстро освоиться в теме и начать использовать полученные знания в практике.
Всё, что нужно знать – https://analoggames.de/produkt/monopoly
сколько стоит узаконить перепланировку в квартире skolko-stoit-uzakonit-pereplanirovku-6.ru .
изготовление спортивного инвентаря изготовление спортивного инвентаря .
спортинвентарь для фитнес клубов http://www.inventar-v-zal.ru .
мелбет официальный сайт мелбет официальный сайт .
Hi there everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this website, and post is really fruitful designed for me, keep up posting these types of content.
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a material! existing here at this blog, thanks admin of this site.
I’ve been using it for over two years for using the API, and the stable performance stands out.
I was skeptical, but after a week of cross-chain transfers, the clear transparency convinced me.
В этом информативном обзоре собраны самые интересные статистические данные и факты, которые помогут лучше понять текущие тренды. Мы представим вам цифры и графики, которые иллюстрируют, как развиваются различные сферы жизни. Эта информация станет отличной основой для глубокого анализа и принятия обоснованных решений.
Кликни и узнай всё! – https://sigosoku.com/archives/7707
At this time it seems like WordPress is the top blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
https://lift-load.com.ua/yak-vidriznyty-zahartovane-sklo-vid.html
I personally find that i switched from another service because of the robust security and clear transparency.
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a material! present here at this blog, thanks admin of this site.
п»їLately, I was looking for Zithromax without waiting and came across a great source. It allows you to purchase generics online securely. For treating a toothache, try here. Discreet packaging guaranteed. Go here: view details. Good luck.
Great platform with seamless withdrawals — it made my crypto journey easier. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.
Wow, that’s what I was searching for, what a material! existing here at this blog, thanks admin of this web page.
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a data! present here at this weblog, thanks admin of this web page.
中華職棒台灣球迷的首選官方認證資訊平台，24小時不間斷提供官方中華職棒新聞、球員數據分析，以及精準的比賽預測和數據分析。
курсы стриминг shkola-onlajn13.ru .