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 love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
Plz respond as I’m looking to create my own blog and
would like to know where u got this from.
many thanks
Ivermectin Access USA: ivermectin 5 mg price – stromectol otc
It’s actually very complicated in this busy life to listen news
on TV, so I just use internet for that purpose, and obtain the newest news. https://apk.tw/space-uid-6381309.html
трансы пермь Диджеи-трансеры — это настоящие шаманы, которые умело дирижируют толпой, создавая неповторимый опыт, который запоминается надолго. От легендарных фестивалей до уютных клубов, транс объединяет людей, жаждущих позитивных вибраций и выхода за пределы обыденности.
https://ivermectinaccessusa.com/# purchase ivermectin
You’ve made some decent points there. I checked on the internet for
more info about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this
website.
https://ivermectinaccessusa.shop/# ivermectin cream cost
I every time spent my half an hour to read this weblog’s posts all the time along with a cup of coffee.
The interface is seamless withdrawals, and I enjoy staking here. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.
Hello it’s me, I am also visiting this site daily, this website is actually
good and the visitors are in fact sharing fastidious thoughts.
I read this piece of writing fully on the topic of the resemblance
of newest and earlier technologies, it’s amazing article.
sportwetten vergleich quoten
Check out my page … Gratiswette Bei Anmeldung
당신의 콘텐츠에서 좋은 정보을 찾을 수 있었습니다.
Wow! After all I got a blog from where I be able to actually
obtain helpful facts concerning my study and knowledge.
was bedeutet kombiwette
Feel free to visit my web page … Bonus Wettanbieter Vergleich
I think the admin of this web page is actually working hard in support of his web site, since here every stuff is
quality based stuff.
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this weblog’s
articles or reviews everyday along with a mug of coffee.
донна пицца саратов «Додо пицца Саратов» и «Ташир пицца Саратов» — это лишь часть нашей обширной сети, предлагающей «быструю пиццу» и «вкусную пиццу».
космос пиццерия «Донна Пицца» и «Малевич Пицца Энгельс» – это часть обширной карты вкусов, которую мы продолжаем развивать.
US Pharma Index: US Pharma Index – canadian mail order pharmacy
хорошая пицца отличная пицца Мы предлагаем «пиццу меню» и «пиццы меню» с актуальными ценами, а также «номер пиццерии» для вашего удобства.
Научитесь управлять даже самыми напряжёнными дискуссиями https://tinyurl.com/25gvwjeu
I think the admin of this website is genuinely working hard in favor of his site, because here every information is quality based material.
Since the admin of this website is working, no doubt very rapidly it will be well-known, due to its
feature contents.
online sportwetten mit paypal
Feel free to surf to my blog :: unentschieden basketball wetten
https://uspharmaindex.shop/# global pharmacy canada
I’ve got to share this story about an Italian guy I know, let’s call
him Gianni. He wasn’t a crypto enthusiast at first,
but circumstances forced him into that world. He runs
a company that receives payments from different countries, and fees, delays, and complications were driving him insane.
Everything went south one stressful afternoon. A crucial transaction disappeared inside the banking system,
and he was left on the phone for hours trying to fix the mess.
He said he had never felt that much pressure in business before.
Clients got nervous, and he desperately needed an alternative.
That’s when someone mentioned Paybis to him, he honestly didn’t trust
anything crypto-related. But the situation was
too critical to ignore. So he checked the platform.
The process was way smoother than he expected. Verification was fast.
He could finally convert and transfer funds without drowning in paperwork.
He genuinely didn’t expect such a turnaround.
But the real drama came later. The bank eventually
apologized, but Paybis had already done the job the system failed to handle.
He admitted that this crisis was a turning point for him.
Now he relies on Paybis whenever he can’t afford delays.
He’s not obsessed with crypto — he’s grateful for a platform that did what it promised.
In the end, he said it straight: Paybis did a great
job with his aim.
US Pharma Index safe canadian pharmacy certified canadian pharmacy
Следующая страница https://lolz.live
Having read this I believed it was very informative.
I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this informative article together.
I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and commenting.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!
This is a very informative post. I really appreciate how
clearly everything is explained, especially for people who are new to
online casino platforms.
The way you describe the features, usability,
and overall experience makes it easy to understand and compare with other websites.
I also like that the content focuses on safety, convenience, and user experience.
Thanks for sharing such useful information. I will definitely
check out more articles on this site.
starburst review delivers instant excitement every time. Wilds expand and respin while staying locked. Perfect RTP and easy gameplay — spin now.
Generic Viagra for sale: Sildenafil Price Guide – viagra canada
http://ivermectinaccessusa.com/# Ivermectin Access USA
КХЛ — хоккей мирового класса, где клубы Евразии борются за легендарный Кубок Гагарина и любовь миллионов фанатов. Подробнее здесь: https://rin.ru/novosti/230386/kupit-bileti-na-hokkeinie-matchi-onlain.html
Hi, I think your website might be having browser compatibility
issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening
in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick
heads up! Other then that, superb blog!
Excelente cassino para jogadores brasileiros. O Pin-Up Brasil oferece promoções honestas e saque rápido via PIX.
Recomendo o Pin-Up Casxino para jogadores sérios.
Oferta excelente e 250 rodadas grátis.
Sou cliente do Pin-Up Brasil faz um tempo e nunca tive problemas
nas retiradas. Saque via PIX em 24h com atendimento
24/7 impressionam.
A promoção inicial dessa plataforma supera muitos concorrentes no
mercado brasileiro. Bônus generoso e rodadas gratuitas no prmeiro depósito.
Plataforma segura que aceita PIX. O Pin-Up Brasil é
licenciado e processa saques rápido.
Testei o Pin-Up Brasil e fiquei impressionado com a variedade de jogos.
Mais de 4.000 jogos com Sweet Bonanza e slots incríveis.
Para quem bussca jotar slots online. Essa
plataforma tem de tudo: promoções, slots e PIX.
This platform exceeded my expectations with great support and robust security. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.
здесь https://lzt.market