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.
夜班医生第四季高清完整版，海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
For a complete overview of medical specifications, please review this resource: https://magmaxhealth.com/buspar.html which covers clinical details.
1x casino Лицензирование является краеугольным камнем любого авторитетного онлайн-казино. Наличие лицензии от уважаемого регулятора, такого как Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) или Gibraltar Regulatory Authority (GRA), гарантирует, что казино соблюдает строгие стандарты честности, безопасности и финансовой стабильности. Лицензия также подразумевает регулярные проверки и аудит, что обеспечивает дополнительную защиту для игроков.
艾一帆海外版，专为华人打造的高清视频平台，支持全球加速观看。
1xbet resmi sitesi 1xbet-mobil-1.com .
1xbet giris 1xbet giris .
1xbetgiri? 1xbet-yeni-giris-1.com .
1xbet com giri? 1xbet com giri? .
奇思妙探第二季高清完整官方版，海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
Мы собрали для вас самые захватывающие факты из мира науки и истории. От малознакомых деталей до грандиозных событий — эта статья расширит ваш кругозор и подарит новое понимание того, как устроен наш мир.
Хочешь знать всё? – https://sabuthomas.com/news/363
алкоголь на дом 24 алкоголь на дом 24 .
журналы для автолюбителей avtonovosti-3.ru .
Wow! This is a cool platform. They really do have the intuitive UI. The updates are frequent and clear.
월드카지노
t.me/s/top_onlajn_kazino_rossii t.me/s/top_onlajn_kazino_rossii .
1xbet giri? linki 1xbet-mobil-2.com .
1x casino В конечном итоге, лучший игровой автомат – это тот, который приносит удовольствие. Рейтинги лишь помогают сориентироваться в многообразии предложений, но выбор всегда остается за игроком. Важно помнить об ответственном отношении к азартным играм и умении вовремя остановиться.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about %meta_keyword%. Regards
Эта статья полна интересного контента, который побудит вас исследовать новые горизонты. Мы собрали полезные факты и удивительные истории, которые обогащают ваше понимание темы. Читайте, погружайтесь в детали и наслаждайтесь процессом изучения!
Погрузиться в детали – https://blog.rescriptai.com/automated-ai-chatbot-solutions-guide-with-examples
I’m impressed by the responsive team. I’ll definitely continue using it. Support solved my issue in minutes.
1xbet giri? g?ncel 1xbet giri? g?ncel .
birxbet giri? 1xbet-giris-23.com .
Hi all, I recently found detailed information about health treatments, I found this health wiki. It explains safety protocols very well. Source: https://magmaxhealth.com/Flonase. Hope this is useful.
В этой публикации мы предлагаем подробные объяснения по актуальным вопросам, чтобы помочь читателям глубже понять их. Четкость и структурированность материала сделают его удобным для усвоения и применения в повседневной жизни.
Узнать больше – https://nayuta-p.com/2023/09/25/solar-panels-101-a-beginners-guide-to-solar-energy
моней x моней x .
I value the great support and clear transparency. This site is reliable. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.
Мы предлагаем вам окунуться в океан любопытных фактов и вдохновляющих историй. Эта публикация поможет расширить горизонты, разбудить интерес к науке и истории и увидеть мир с новой стороны.
Читать далее > – https://kontinuumliberec.com/events/s-chuti-v-pohybu
журналы для автолюбителей avtonovosti-1.ru .
Sam here — I’ve tried exploring governance and the trustworthy service impressed me. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.
월드카지노
Wow! This is a cool platform. They really do have the easy onboarding. Definitely recommend to anyone in crypto.
월드카지노
I was skeptical, but after several months of using the bridge, the intuitive UI convinced me.
https://autoritm-service.ru/inc/pages/melbet-promokod___bonus-pri-registracii.html
1вин как скачать http://www.1win93056.help
真实的人类第一季高清完整官方版，海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
журнал про авто журнал про авто .
Март — месяц, когда сад и огород просыпаются. Дни становятся длиннее, солнце пригревает сильнее, и у дачников начинается самая деятельная и ответственная пора года Март на дачном участке
愛海外版，專為華人打造的高清視頻平台，支持全球加速觀看。
Aerial duels, header wins and physical battle statistics
월드카지노
I personally find that i’ve been using it for a few days for trading, and the great support stands out.
Этот увлекательный информационный материал подарит вам массу новых знаний и ярких эмоций. Мы собрали для вас интересные факты и сведения, которые обогатят ваш опыт. Откройте для себя увлекательный мир информации и насладитесь процессом изучения!
Детали по клику – https://adoral254.com/the-vitamin-advantage-boosting-skin-health-in-your-thirties
В этой статье представлен занимательный и актуальный контент, который заставит вас задуматься. Мы обсуждаем насущные вопросы и проблемы, а также освещаем истории, которые вдохновляют на действия и изменения. Узнайте, что стоит за событиями нашего времени!
Желаете узнать подробности? – https://www.aviation-design.fr/laoreet-sit-amet-cursus-sit-amet-dictum/comment-page-457
1xbet com giri? 1xbet-yeni-giris-2.com .
online gambling laws in uk, duke nukem forever slot machine jackpot
and 5 dollar deposit online casino usa, or bet365 new zealandn roulette tips
Here is my page … caveman keno eggs
рейтинг легальных сайтов игровых автоматов Помимо традиционных казино, в последние годы все большую популярность набирают онлайн-казино. Они предлагают удобство и доступность, позволяя играть в любимые игры из любой точки мира. Однако при выборе онлайн-казино следует быть особенно внимательным, чтобы избежать мошенничества. Убедитесь, что казино имеет лицензию, использует надежное программное обеспечение и предлагает безопасные способы оплаты.
моней икс рабочее зеркало [url=https://t.me/moneyx_tg/]t.me/moneyx_tg[/url] .
Hey everyone, if you need a trusted health store to buy medicines securely. I found this pharmacy: allopurinol. Stocking a wide range of meds and huge discounts. Hope this helps.
Эта разъяснительная статья содержит простые и доступные разъяснения по актуальным вопросам. Мы стремимся сделать информацию понятной для широкой аудитории, чтобы каждый мог разобраться в предмете и извлечь из него максимум пользы.
Ознакомиться с теоретической базой – https://fchetail.ulb.ac.be/a5-2