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.
This is a very informative post about online casinos and betting platforms.
I especially liked how it explains the importance of choosing a trusted site before registering.
Many players often ask where to find reliable gaming
platforms with fair odds and smooth withdrawals.
In my experience, checking platforms like milyon88games.com helps users understand what features to look for in a legit online casino.
Thanks for sharing these insights — they’re useful for
both beginners and experienced players.
Легко ли быть наблюдателем, когда вокруг творится зло и
нельзя вмешаться, навести порядок, защитить?
Главный герой этого романа –
дон Румата (землянин Антон), который попадает
на планету Арканар с экспериментальным миром.
На этой планете царит средневековая жестокость, фальшь и борьба за власть.
Но Румата не должен вмешиваться.
Он ученый, который проводит эксперимент.
Однако человек в нем берет вверх над ученым, сердце побеждает рассудок.
Разве можно спокойно наблюдать, как зло побеждает добро, как талант растаптывается,
а справедливости не существует?
Главному герою это не удается…
Трудно быть Богом
заказать практическую работу недорого цены kupit-kursovuyu-66.ru .
купить курсовую сайт купить курсовую сайт .
https://ivertherapeutics.com/# stromectol ireland
海外华人必备的iyf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。
1win пополнение не проходит 1win пополнение не проходит
https://auto.ae/catalog/
Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same
page layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!
I always used to read post in news papers but now
as I am a user of web therefore from now I am using net for content, thanks to web.
searchhacks.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
leadfactory.click – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
Very nice article, just what I needed.
машины в аренду минивэн мерседес 20 чел аренда микроатобуса в москве с водителем
What’s up everyone, it’s my first go to
see at this web site, and post is actually fruitful for me, keep up
posting these types of content.
trafficsprint.click – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
searchhacks.click – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my
iPad and tested to see if it can survive a 40 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views.
I know this is completely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
http://sertralineusa.com/# zoloft pill
trafficmatrix.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
It’s going to be end of mine day, except before finish I am
reading this enormous paragraph to improve my
experience.
leadfactory.click – Appreciate the typography choices; comfortable spacing improved my reading experience.
marketingengine.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
neurontin 600 mg price: Neuro Relief USA – cost of neurontin 100mg
一饭封神在线免费在线观看，海外华人专属平台，高清无广告体验。
searchengineers.click – Overall, professional vibe here; trustworthy, polished, and pleasantly minimal throughout.
trafficsprint.click – Bookmarked this immediately, planning to revisit for updates and inspiration.
trafficmatrix.click – Loved the layout today; clean, simple, and genuinely user-friendly overall.
1win как вывести на карту https://1win04381.help/
marketingengine.click – Color palette felt calming, nothing distracting, just focused, thoughtful design.
官方授权的捕风追影下载官方下载，第一时间海外华人专用，第一时间支持高速下载和离线观看。
searchengineers.click – Pages loaded fast, images appeared sharp, and formatting stayed consistent.
Transform idle time into rewarding play sessions. In ignation casinos, seamless bonuses activate. Automate your success!
заказать курсовую работу заказать курсовую работу .
Today, I went to the beach front with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4
year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but
I had to tell someone!
купить курсовая работа купить курсовая работа .
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this web page regularly,
this web site is truly fastidious and the visitors are genuinely sharing nice
thoughts.
stromectol tab price: ivermectin 200mg – Iver Therapeutics
Официальный сайт — переходи сейчас