Fireworks – by Sheri J. Kennedy

Today’s ficlet was inspired by the local fireworks show a week ago. I’ve never watched the show before, so when the opportunity came, I said ‘sure’ and had a grand time.

Sheri captured some fantastic photos and graciously allowed me to use this one for the ficlet.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, sometimes, characters occupy my creative space, weaving segments of their stories at unexpected moments. This night was one of them. This is from a story that isn’t exactly meant for NaNoWriMo preparations or anything else in the ‘still to finish/properly polish’ collection. However, this spark just happened to emerge.

Rapid Fire

Dorinda Russell scattered the night-time photos on the table, lucky shots of a meteor shower. “So, pop, when they say that something’s ‘like fireworks’ – what do they mean? Do they even know what they mean? First is the major ‘pop’ like a gunshot – that sounds logical. I’ll remember to add ‘getting shot at’ as part of my ‘that’s fun’ list.

“Then there’s the ascent. How many people honestly track a projectile going up into the clouds, be it normal or smoke? And by the time you think you’re done tracking that one blip – there goes another, with blip number two distracting you from explosion number one. And then explosion number two making you lose blip number three? Heck of an astronomical shell game, don’t you think?

“Oh, and then almost lost in the smell of gunpowder and smoke dodging, there are the explosions. Are they ‘star bursts’ or ‘floral’ or ‘water-hose shower’ or scattered or smiley or-. Dad, you’re not paying attention.”

Vince, chin resting in cupped hand propped a la elbow, signed with his free hand. “You’ve thought about this a lot, haven’t you?” His expressionless face unchanged, he continued, “If you don’t want to go out to the prom, just say so.”

Dorinda made a face. “Of course I’m going to the prom. Do you expect me to pass up an evening of dancing with David Samuel Allen, the only other guy in school who can be a space cadet, klutz and all around geek like me? We’ve only been planning this since…middle school. Can’t end my junior year being labeled ‘permanent nerd’ now, can I?

“Besides, I’m trying to get you to tell me about your prom. Who did you go with? What was she like? What songs did you dance to? Was it a memorable evening? What?!”

With a wry smile, he responded, “It was a blast.”