Fireworks: Science Fiction

The fireworks exploded over the night in a symphony of color and noise. Below them, the children tilted their heads up, their mouths falling open in a gaping stare of wonder. For once, the sound of bangs and the crackle of explosives didn't mean that death was coming to take them away again. For once, it meant wonder. "I hate this part," Nancy whispered to her partner, as they watched the children. "You would steal away from them one of the small joys that they may have in this grim life?" he asked. "No," she said, "I would keep them from growing up to go out and die. You know that's the only reason that the powers that be allow this little show. They want to start desensitizing the children now, so that they won't be unfit soldiers--"

Inspiration: A photo of fireworks on Flickr
Story Potential: Medium.
Notes: It's a nice snippety snapshot in time, but I don't think there's enough here to support a further examination.