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.
каталог водка бет
online pharmacy in mexico: pharmacia mexico – mexico medication
Magnificent site. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it to
some buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously,
thanks in your sweat!
app für sportwetten
my web blog: wetten ergebnisse vorhersage (Waldo)
1win как вывести выигрыш 1win как вывести выигрыш
귀하는 대회에 참여해야 합니다.
최고의 사이트 중 하나로! 저는 강력히 이 사이트를
추천합니다!
fantastic issues altogether, you simply gained a new reader.
What might you recommend about your submit that you simply made
some days ago? Any sure?
https://mymexicanpharmacy.shop/# My Mexican Pharmacy
https://mymexicanpharmacy.shop/# My Mexican Pharmacy
1вин как зайти http://1win50742.help/
Magnificent goodѕ from үⲟu, man. I’ve understand ｙour
stuff prevіous tօ and yоu are јust too greаt. Ι realⅼу ⅼike
what you’ѵe acquired here, ceｒtainly like ᴡhat you are stating аnd the
way in ԝhich yоu saｙ it. You make іt enjoyable and you
stіll take care of tⲟ ҝeep it sensiblе. Ι cаn’t wait
to read faｒ more from you. Ƭhis іѕ аctually
a tremendous website.
you’re truly a just right webmaster. The site loading pace is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a great activity in this subject!
This is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere.
Brief but very precise information… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read post!
At this moment I am going to do my breakfast,
after having my breakfast coming yet again to read additional news.
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
Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and
starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
Your way of telling all in this post is actually pleasant, all can easily know it, Thanks a lot.
https://sportzpoint.com/other-sports/1win-promo-code-india-1winmax500-details
I value the trustworthy service and clear transparency. This site is reliable. I moved funds across chains without a problem.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
I am quite certain I will learn many new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
Hello, I believe your website might be having browser compatibility problems.
When I look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however, when opening
in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping
issues. I merely wanted to provide you with
a quick heads up! Apart from that, great blog!
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s
time to be happy. I have learn this publish and if I may just I want to suggest you some fascinating things or advice.
Perhaps you could write subsequent articles regarding this article.
I want to read more issues approximately it! https://brandhelix.click/issacagostini
подробнее здесь vodkabet
blacksprut
Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with?
I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most
blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
Amazing! This blog looks just like my old one!
It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!
First of all I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not
mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts before
writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out there.
I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems
like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost just trying to figure out how
to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Cheers!
mexican pharmacy near me: online pharmacies – My Mexican Pharmacy
online vet pharmacy: pet meds online – dog prescriptions online
1win одиночная ставка http://1win52609.help/
Everything is very open with a very clear clarification of
the issues. It was really informative. Your site
is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
Saved as a favorite, I really like your website!
It is not my first time to pay a visit this site, i am browsing this web page dailly
and obtain pleasant information from here everyday.
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search
Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m
not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share.
Many thanks!
1win депозит 1win депозит
Здравствуйте дорогие друзья! На первом этапе нужно разобраться — обновление гидроизоляции. Суть здесь в чем: рубероид — течёт каждую весну. Хочешь под ключ — могу рекомендовать: https://montazh-membrannoj-krovli-spb.ru. Как это работает: укладывают мембрану. Ну вот была крыша-решето — теперь проблема решена. На первом этапе для понимания: составление сметы. Сейчас это самый передовой — ПВХ и ТПО мембраны. Что в итоге: крыша как новая.
Normally I do not read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a
look at and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me.
Thank you, quite great article.
шумоизоляция авто https://vikar-auto.ru
This is a great tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Short but very precise info… Thank you for sharing this one.
A must read article!
https://vetfreemeds.com/# pet prescriptions online
http://vetfreemeds.com/# pet drugs online
I am sure this paragraph has touched all the internet viewers, its really really fastidious article on building up new weblog.
Легальные площадки азартных возможностей обеспечивают пользователям шанс к профессиональному развлечениям через тематические платформы, включая Вавада РІС…РѕРґ , которые точно следуют transnational критерии надёжности.
Схема оформления профиля подразумевает ввода валидационных данных через криптографические SSL-протоколы. Администрация просят официальное свидетельство age verification и территории residence для соблюдения юрисдикционных стандартов.
Multi-factor authentication является обязательным частью современных механизмов конфиденциальности. Пользователи обретают SMS-пароли, push-уведомления или задействуют профессиональные софт типа Google Authenticator.
Резервные ссылки преодолевают проблемы региональных запретов и DDoS-assault. Технически реплики составляют дублированные клоны главного ресурса с maintaining возможностей и пользовательских сведений.
Skilled клиенты рекомендуют удерживать свежие каталоги рабочих копий в избранном обозревателя. Management отправляют обновления о fresh ссылках через электронную почту, Telegram-communities и телефонные apps.
Payment операции через лицензионные сайты обеспечены encryption протоколами стандарта банковского индустрии. Вывод капитала производится единственно на подтверждённые данные хозяина account.
You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!
БПЛА Волгоград Все СМИ Волгограда на одном портале. Актуальные новости, главные события, происшествия и криминал.
1win apk oficial 1win apk oficial
1вин поддержка 1вин поддержка
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added”
checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thank you!
For the reason that the admin of this web page is working,
no doubt very quickly it will be renowned, due to
its feature contents.
Generally I do not read post on blogs, but I wish to say that this
write-up very pressured me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me.
Thank you, very great post.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I’ve truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing on your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!