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 go to see daily a few web pages and websites to read content,
but this webpage gives quality based writing.
落水狗第二季2026 海外华人科幻冒险 高清后末世世界
匹兹堡医护前线第二季2026 海外华人职场医疗剧 高清高压节奏 全球加速
丞磊王楚然双主演《成何体统》2026双穿书甜宠神剧，海外华人高清现代穿越恋爱，无广告追剧体验超爽，全球加速AI推荐，2026最甜现偶热搜王。
Hello! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through
this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting
about this. I will forward this write-up to him.
Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
1вин дар 1вин сабти ном http://1win59278.help
I really like reading through a post that will make people think.
Also, thank you for allowing me to comment!
yifan平台2026 最新高清影视 无广告 AI智能推荐
Blackburn vs Preston 2026 Championship 21:00 – Rovers favored! English football scores & betting buzz live now!
落水狗第二季2026 海外华人科幻冒险 高清后末世世界
Задача первого контакта — не «записать к врачу на когда-нибудь», а оценить, насколько ситуация критична прямо сейчас. Если речь идёт о многодневном запое, сильной слабости, одышке, скачках давления, спутанности сознания, лучше не экспериментировать с домашними методами. В таких случаях специалисты в Лобне рекомендуют стационар, где можно не только поставить капельницу, но и быстро среагировать на осложнения. Если же состояние относительно стабильное, возможно обсуждение мягкого формата с выездом и последующим наблюдением.
Изучить вопрос глубже – наркологическая клиника цены
веб-сайт vodkabet
We’re a bunch of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your website offered us with useful info to work on. You’ve performed an impressive job and our entire
group will probably be thankful to you.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.
I am truly grateful to the owner of this site who has shared this impressive piece of writing at here.
As the admin of this web page is working, no question very soon it will be famous, due to its quality contents.
Hi there, yup this piece of writing is genuinely pleasant
and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging.
thanks.
For most up-to-date news you have to pay a quick visit internet and on world-wide-web I found this website as a most
excellent web site for most up-to-date updates.
профилактика болезней сердца
Check our new web page — https://ar29.ru/pars/doms/promokod_na_1xbet_na_segodnya_besplatno_pri_registracii.html
We stumbled over here coming from a different web page and thought I
might check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
Look forward to finding out about your web page yet again.
My programmer 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 Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am worried about switching to another platform. I have heard very good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
https://beteiligung.stadtlindau.de/profile/betandyouvip01/
скачать игры по прямой ссылке скачать игры без торрента
Find the newest info here — https://innov-invest.ru/news/1xbet_promokod_besplatno__1.html
I like the helpful info you supply on your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check again right here regularly.
I am somewhat certain I will be informed lots of new stuff proper here!
Good luck for the following!
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post.
Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!
согласование перепланировки квартиры под ключ pereplanirovka-kvartir9.ru .
I’m not sure exactly why but this website is loading very
slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
нейросеть реферат нейросеть реферат .
I love it whenever people come together and share
views. Great website, stick with it!
Good answer back in return of this issue with solid arguments and explaining everything concerning that.
It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d
certainly donate to this superb blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to brand new updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an really long comment but
after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to
say superb blog!
乡村爱情18 2026 象牙山风云续集 高清喜剧农村生活 海外华人专属 无广告体验
Brann 0-1 Bologna 2026 Europa League tight win! Italians steal it late – latest results heating up knockout race!
I like it whenever people come together and share thoughts.
Great blog, continue the good work!
Also visit my page :: промокод на первый заказ в винлабе
Nice response in return of this difficulty with firm arguments
and describing everything concerning that.
Great article! We are linking to this great post on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
This is a very informative post.
I appreciate how the content clearly explains
online casino features and betting concepts.
Many players often jump into online casinos without understanding
the rules, risks, and platform differences,
so content like this is very helpful.
I have been reading similar guides on
Panaloko,
and I find that the explanations there are also very clear and easy to
follow.
What I like most about articles from panaloko.info
is that they focus on
real gameplay information instead of exaggerated promises.
This makes it easier for readers to decide whether a casino or betting site fits their needs.
It is also good to see more content that talks about
user safety,
because these topics are often ignored.
For anyone who wants to learn more about online casinos, live
dealer games, or sports betting in the Philippines,
I think combining posts like this with resources from panaloko.info
can give a more balanced view of the industry.
Looking forward to reading more posts like this in the future.
If you wish for to grow your familiarity just keep visiting this site and be updated with the most recent information posted here.
beste wett tipps kostenlos
My page – basketball-wetten.Com
huarenus平台2026 海外华人高清视频直播 文化内容专区
sportwetten sichere strategie
Feel free to visit my blog post :: wett vorhersage
heute – Sven –
This is a very informative post about online casinos and betting platforms.
I especially liked how it explains the importance of choosing a licensed 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.
Have you ever thought about publishing an ebook or guest
authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same subjects you discuss and would really like to have you share some
stories/information. I know my audience would enjoy
your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to
shoot me an e-mail.
This is a very informative post about online casinos and betting platforms.
I especially liked how it explains the importance of choosing a licensed site
before signing up.
Many players often ask where they can find reliable
gaming platforms with fair odds and smooth payouts. From what I’ve
seen, checking platforms like vn22vip helps users compare
features, bonuses, and overall experience.
Thanks for sharing these insights — they’re helpful for both beginners and experienced
bettors.
мостбет заморозили вывод https://mostbet72413.help/
I will right away grasp your rss as I can’t find
your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Please allow me understand so that I may just subscribe.
Thanks.
Wonderful beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could
i subscribe for a weblog web site? The account aided me a
acceptable deal. I have been a little bit familiar of
this your broadcast offered bright clear concept