By the end of it, by the end of something that used to thrill and delight her like nothing else, a few tears had slipped down her face, her hand felt numb as he grasped it tightly. And all she could do was shush him gently, rocking him as the last firework popped off and the applause came. She'd never cheer for fireworks again.

He came back to her a moment later, his eyes opening as he said her name, her own eyes opening as she moved so he could see her face. "I'm right here. You're okay. It's over now." She was thankful that he wouldn't be able to see the tears that had fallen before, she wanted to be strong for him now. "You're fine. It's over." Her hand reached out to touch his hair, other hand still squeezed tightly in his.