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.
Sweet Bonanza turns simple spins into spectacular win streaks thanks to its unique tumble mechanic. Multiplier sweet bonanza free spins bombs make every bonus round unforgettable. Get spinning!
CertiCanPharmacy CertiCanPharmacy CertiCanPharmacy
wir wetten app
my web page: sportwetten Online neu
Знакомтсво Ростов на дону
https://mg-group74.ru/pages/1xbet.html
Hmm it appears like your website ate my first comment (it
was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing.
Do you have any tips for first-time blog writers? I’d really appreciate it.
мелбет приложение на айфон мелбет приложение на айфон .
https://certicanpharmacy.com/# canadian online pharmacy
My Mexican Pharmacy: mexican pharmacies online – My Mexican Pharmacy
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
https://mymexicanpharmacy.shop/# My Mexican Pharmacy
Viewers of the famous Milf Hardcore Gif topic can quickly get a fast-loading sensory archives on MilfGif.com that features enthralling females who
have been captured in high-energy scenarios. MILFGIF.COM https://live.eposbd.net/@shellamayne103?page=about
Hello There. I found your weblog the use of msn. This is an extremely well written article.
I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your useful information.
Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback. https://en.chatruletka-18.com/brunette
wettanbieter buchmacher mit Paypal besten quoten
I’ve been active for over two years, mostly for portfolio tracking, and it’s always fast transactions.
Рабочий адрес казино 7к нашел в канале.
Промокоды беру регулярно в 7к казино рабочее зеркало, это полезно.
당신의 기사가 놀라울 정도로고 하고 싶고
합니다. 당신의 포스트의 선명도는 단순히 대단하고 저는
당신이 이 주제에 전문가라고 생각합니다.
당신의 허락한다면 당신의 피드를 붙잡아서 다가오는 포스트로 업데이트 상태를
유지하고 싶습니다. 수백만 감사하고 보람 있는 일을 계속해 주세요.
ЧП Волгоград сегодня Актуальные новости Волгограда сегодня: главные события, срочные сообщения и сводки происшествий. Все, что нужно знать жителям города и области.
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really
well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read
more of your useful info. Thanks for the
post. I will certainly return.
The interface is robust security, and I enjoy cross-chain transfers here.
It’s going to be finish of mine day, but before
end I am reading this fantastic article to increase my
knowledge.
I used to be suggested this blog through my cousin. I’m now not sure whether this publish is written by means of
him as nobody else recognize such detailed approximately my trouble.
You’re wonderful! Thank you!
I’ve been active for a week, mostly for using the mobile app, and it’s always responsive team. My withdrawals were always smooth.
https://demo.thememiles.com/articles/kak_lechity_laringity_ingalyaciyami.html
https://kolesa-m.ru/fancybox/pgs/?promokod_fonbet_bonus_2.html
сайт vodka bet casino
Spin into pure joy with Sweet Bonanza — where wins pay in any position and cascades keep coming! Unlock sweet bonanza 21100x free spins packed with 10x–100x bombs. Sweet success awaits!
โพสต์นี้ อ่านแล้วได้ความรู้เพิ่ม ค่ะ
ผม ไปเจอรายละเอียดของ หัวข้อที่คล้ายกัน
ที่คุณสามารถดูได้ที่
คาสิโนออนไลน์
ลองแวะไปดู
มีการยกตัวอย่างที่เข้าใจง่าย
ขอบคุณที่แชร์ คอนเทนต์ดีๆ นี้
และอยากเห็นบทความดีๆ
แบบนี้อีก
Right now it seems like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
CertiCanPharmacy: CertiCanPharmacy – canada drugstore pharmacy rx
http://vetfreemeds.com/# dog medicine
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long
comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Regardless, just wanted to
say great blog!
The best choice I made for portfolio tracking. Smooth and stable performance.
https://mymexicanpharmacy.com/# mexico online farmacia
best mexican pharmacy online: order medicine from mexico – can i buy meds from mexico online
mostbet мой аккаунт mostbet26148.help
I personally find that the testing new tokens tools are scalable features and wide token selection. Charts are accurate and load instantly.
I got this web page from my friend who told me
regarding this website and at the moment this time I am browsing this
site and reading very informative content here.
online wo Kann man am besten basketball Wetten ohne oasis
What’s up mates, how is the whole thing, and what you wish for to say on the topic of this article, in my view its genuinely amazing in support
of me.
консультация онлайн юриста
Консультации юриста — незаменимый этап .
При необходимости консультации.
значительно облегчает.
на развитие ситуации.
В процессе получения консультации .
Обратившись к профессионалу , что ваши права защищены.
Итогом консультации.
и обеспечить себе спокойствие в будущем .
I was skeptical, but after over two years of swapping tokens, the great support convinced me.
sportwetten seriöSe wettanbieter ohne Oasis einzahlung
1win_kg 1win_kg
читать vodkabet
당신의 블로그 포스트에서 좋은 정보을
찾을 수 있었습니다.
Great article! We will be linking to this great content on our website.
Keep up the good writing.
https://xn--46-6kc3bf4angc2g.xn--p1ai/images/pages/?1xbet_promokod_pri_registracii_na_segodnya_besplatno.html
установка вентиляции в верхних шкафах на кухне Установка приточной вентиляции с подогревом и фильтрацией воздуха. Обеспечение комфортного микроклимата в любое время года.
canada pharmacy online CertiCanPharmacy canadadrugpharmacy com