Fleeting Fireworks

I have a scar on my chin that extends down to my neck. It's a remnant from a childhood accident when Lucas threw a firecracker that exploded near me. His mother dragged him to apologize, and he planted a kiss on my bandage.

"Sophia, I'll take responsibility for you," he said solemnly.

Ever since then, I've been terrified of firecrackers. Fortunately, Lucas, the "culprit," would always be there to cover my ears.

He promised, "Sophia, don't be afraid. Every New Year's Eve, I'll be right behind you."

Years later, under a sky full of fireworks, he kissed the company's new fireworks designer.