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.
фриспины за регистрацию без депозита 2026 фриспины за регистрацию — это не просто подарок, а своего рода ритуал инициации, предлагающий неофиту заключить взаимовыгодный договор с фортуной и оператором. Это пробный шар, тест -драйв всего игорного комплекса. Для казино — это инвестиция в привлечение лояльного клиента, стоимость которой окупается в случае его дальнейшей активности. Для игрока — это бесценный опыт, учебный полигон и, потенциально, стартовая площадка для первого реального выигрыша, добытого фактически из воздуха. Мудрость заключается в том, чтобы подойти к этому дару с холодным расчетом: внимательно изучить все положения бонусной политики, трезво оценить свои силы и время для выполнения условий отыгрыша, и лишь затем, с легким сердцем, нажать заветную кнопку «Spin», открывая для себя безграничный мир азартных возможностей с самой выгодной из всех возможных позиций — позиции гостя, которому только что вручили золотой ключ.
Fastidious replies in return of this matter with real arguments and describing the whole thing on the topic
of that.
Valuable info. Lucky me I found your website by chance, and I’m stunned why this accident did not took place in advance!
I bookmarked it.
веб дизайнер вакансии веб дизайнер вакансии .
медицинская техника medicinskoe-oborudovanie-213.ru .
веб дизайнер вакансии umicum.kz .
вакансия администратор trudvsem.kz .
domeo ремонт под ключ отзывы domeo ремонт под ключ отзывы .
поставщик медоборудования medicinskoe-oborudovanie-77.ru .
фриспины за регистрацию без депозита с выводом Фриспины за регистрацию без депозита представляют собой специальное предложение онлайн-казино, направленное на привлечение новых клиентов. Суть его проста: пользователь создает учетную запись, подтверждает свои данные (как правило, электронную почту и номер телефона), и в качестве приветственного бонуса получает на игровой счет определенное количество бесплатных вращений на указанных слотах. Это не требует внесения реальных денежных средств, что делает предложение практически безрисковым для новичка. Для оператора это эффективный маркетинговый инструмент, позволяющий продемонстрировать качество игрового контента и интерфейса платформы, давая игроку почувствовать азарт и механику игры. Для игрока это возможность ознакомиться с казино, тестово протестировать несколько автоматов и, потенциально, выиграть первые деньги, не инвестируя собственные.
https://neuroreliefusa.shop/# neurontin without prescription
What’s up to all, as I am truly eager of reading
this website’s post to be updated daily. It includes fastidious material.
Smart GenRx USA Smart GenRx USA Smart GenRx USA
The staking process is simple and the seamless withdrawals makes it even better. The updates are frequent and clear.
Hi there I am so happy I found your site, I really found you by
mistake, while I was looking on Aol for something else, Regardless
I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining blog
(I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have saved
it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be
back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
Каждый этап требует профессионального подхода и регулярного мониторинга показателей организма, что особенно важно при тяжелых формах алкогольной зависимости.
Разобраться лучше – https://vyvod-iz-zapoya-volgograd0.ru/
neurontin prescription medication: neurontin prices – neurontin 800 mg tablets best price
nov? online casino nov? online casino .
Iver Therapeutics: Iver Therapeutics – stromectol cost
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% sure. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it
Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your
efforts and I am waiting for your further write ups thank you once again.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for chocolate shop
Great platform with trustworthy service — it made my crypto journey easier. The mobile app makes daily use simple.
http://sertralineusa.com/# sertraline generic
поставка медицинского оборудования medicinskoe-oborudovanie-213.ru .
требуется дизайнер требуется дизайнер .
требуется дизайнер umicum.kz .
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
I do not know who you are but definitely you’re going to
a famous blogger if you aren’t already ;) Cheers!
тенгизшевройл вакансии тенгизшевройл вакансии .
domeo честные отзывы domeo честные отзывы .
mostbet tezkor registratsiya http://www.mostbet69573.help
поставка медоборудования medicinskoe-oborudovanie-77.ru .
If you would like to increase your familiarity only keep visiting this web page and be updated with the latest gossip
posted here.
http://smartgenrxusa.com/# Smart GenRx USA
ivermectin cost canada: ivermectin 2mg – stromectol ivermectin 3 mg
Такая структура позволяет подбирать формат помощи под конкретную ситуацию, а не подгонять всех пациентов под один шаблон. Для кого-то будет достаточно короткого стационарного курса и последующего амбулаторного наблюдения, кому-то потребуется длительная реабилитация и плотная работа с семьёй, а кому-то — мягкая поддержка на ранней стадии зависимости, пока заболевание ещё не успело разрушить жизнь.
Изучить вопрос глубже – адреса наркологических клиник
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious familiarity regarding unexpected emotions.
Jordan here — I’ve tried portfolio tracking and the wide token selection impressed me.
I pay a quick visit every day a few web pages and sites to read content, however
this website presents feature based content.
sportwetten no deposit bonus sportwetten (Guadalupe)
schweiz
Awesome post.
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would
be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.
casino hry online casino hry online .
gratis tipps sportwetten
my website: Online Wetten Paypal
1вин ҳисоби шахсӣ https://1win71839.help
http://neuroreliefusa.com/# Neuro Relief USA
This post is invaluable. Where can I find out more?