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 personally find that the staking tools are fast transactions and useful analytics.
https://smartgenrxusa.com/# Smart GenRx USA
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything. But think about if you added some great visuals or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this website could definitely be one of the greatest in its field. Awesome blog!
Every weekend i used to go to see this web site,
as i wish for enjoyment, since this this site conations in fact fastidious funny information too.
I personally find that i was skeptical, but after a month of cross-chain transfers, the robust security convinced me.
recommended canadian pharmacies: Smart GenRx USA – Smart GenRx USA
Everyone loves what you guys are usually up too. This sort of clever work and coverage! Keep up the good works guys I’ve included you guys to my personal blogroll.
I just like the valuable info you supply for your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and test once more here regularly. I’m relatively sure I will learn many new stuff proper here! Best of luck for the following!
Iver Therapeutics ivermectin generic name stromectol for humans
I have fun with, result in I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
Hey there terrific website! Does running a blog such as this
take a large amount of work? I’ve no knowledge
of coding however I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyway, if you
have any suggestions or tips for new blog owners please share.
I understand this is off topic nevertheless I simply needed to ask.
Appreciate it!
I have read so many articles or reviews concerning
the blogger lovers but this piece of writing is
truly a fastidious paragraph, keep it up.
https://sertralineusa.com/# sertraline zoloft
My developer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using WordPress on various websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!
Good way of describing, and fastidious piece of writing to take facts concerning my presentation subject, which i am going to convey in academy.
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
?esk? casino online ?esk? casino online .
Выбирайте лучшие места в Live Арена заранее. Онлайн-сервис помогает быстро оформить заказ и получить электронные билеты без лишних действий. Подробнее здесь https://rentry.co/5ucm8n85
This design is incredible! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I to find It truly helpful & it helped me out much. I hope to offer one thing again and aid others such as you helped me.
Hey would you mind stating which blog platform you’re
working with? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and
I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies
for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
Iver Therapeutics: ivermectin – stromectol medication
http://neuroreliefusa.com/# where can i buy neurontin from canada
online casino online casino .
Simply wish to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.
I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as
with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or
did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice quality writing, it’s
rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.
generic zoloft: Sertraline USA – sertraline
官方授权的一帆视频海外华人首选，第一时间提供最新华语剧集、美剧、日剧等高清在线观看。
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a stuff! present here at this website, thanks admin of this web
site.
真实的人类第三季高清完整版运用AI智能推荐算法，海外华人可免费观看最新热播剧集。
New Online Casino Australia 2025 Latest Offers
Эта статья погружает вас в увлекательный мир знаний, где каждый факт становится открытием. Мы расскажем о ключевых исторических поворотных моментах и научных прорывах, которые изменили ход цивилизации. Поймите, как прошлое формирует настоящее и как его уроки могут помочь нам строить будущее.
Полная информация здесь – https://www.geekworldtour.com/en/really-useful-travel-apps-for-iphone-metro
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of
plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced
but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without
my agreement. Do you know any ways to help protect against content from being stolen?
I’d truly appreciate it.
Best crypto online casino Australia – anonymous and fast
Good way of telling, and good post to take data on the topic
of my presentation subject matter, which i am going to deliver in university.
great publish, very informative. I ponder why the other specialists of this sector
don’t notice this. You must continue your writing.
I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!
凯伦皮里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。
It’s really a great and useful piece of info. I’m satisfied that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
asiatische buchmacher
My web blog über Unter wette Strategie
https://sertralineusa.com/# sertraline generic
7k онлайн казино работает даже при слабом интернете. Мобильная версия хорошо оптимизирована под все устройства.
海外华人必备的iyifan官方认证平台，24小时不间断提供最新高清电影、电视剧，无广告观看体验。
?esk? online casina ?esk? online casina .
Hello mates, its great post on the topic of tutoringand entirely explained,
keep it up all the time.
free spiny dnes free spiny dnes .
Great info. Lucky me I came across your blog by chance
(stumbleupon). I have book-marked it for later!
Best online casino Australia real money 2025 – top picks for Aussies
free spiny free spiny .
https://neuroreliefusa.shop/# neurontin canada
вобла с икрой купить в москве Сухая вобла купить