Down the street, family after family was setting off fireworks and firecrackers, making for an exceptionally lively scene.
"Uncle."
A few children, likely spotting the huge firework in Drew Thorne's hands, ran over from a short distance away and called out sweetly.
Drew Thorne patted their hair, pulled a lighter from his pocket, and squatted down to tear open the firework's cardboard box.
The red packaging stood out starkly against the snow.
"All of you, take a few steps back. I'm about to light it!"
Drew Thorne spoke gently. The lighter in his hand went CLICK, CLICK, and a spark caught the tip of the fuse. Jane Sterling instantly covered her ears.
Seeing this, the children copied her, placing their hands over their ears. They watched as the fuse sizzled, sending up white smoke as it snaked its way down into the firework's tube.
