2774. Explosive © Bruce Goodman 4 July 2023

It was so disappointing for Crawford and Dorothea. They were ten and nine respectively. They had been at their grandparent’s place in town for the 4th of July. Grandma and Grandpa didn’t believe in fireworks. The children weren’t allowed any of their own, and nor were they to go to the park to watch the community fireworks display. “It’s too dangerous,” said Grandpa. “You get a rocket land in your eye and that’s it. Better not to see a short fireworks display than to not see anything for the rest of your life. Anyway, your father’s coming to pick you up around six and take you home to the farm. It won’t even be dark.” (There are a number of possible ending to this tale. See if you can pick the true one.) 1. Six o’clock came and Dorothea’s and Crawford’s father picked them up. They went home. They had dinner. They went to bed. 2. Dad had set up a huge fireworks display in the field beyond the house. The neighbours all came. It was exciting and wonderful. 3. They were just sitting down to dinner when for some reason the hot water cylinder exploded and blew the house to smithereens. Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story