Dave ended up on his back porch with both dogs, watching the fireworks. Stella barked and tried to climb into Dave’s lap every so often, but the pit bull just laid beside him, panting.
He normally loved the Fourth, the spirit of patriotism, and a general feeling that he’d served his country well. His weekend at the base was only a few days away, and he knew they’d celebrate there too.
Everything felt hollow now, like he’d lost an essential part of himself. Another firework spit red sparks into the sky, the boom coming a moment later. Stella barked, and he quieted her. But the pit bull got to his feet too, turning back to the house. The dogs looked at each other and trotted into the house, Stella barking loudly now.
“It’s just the fireworks, guys,” he said, peering over his shoulder. Eve
