[so let the fireworks burst]

part 2//

“You really want this drink?” he asked me. I nodded. He grinned, his teeth shining as bright as the street light. “Come get it.”

...

He turned away and began to walk in the opposite direction. Desperate for the drink, I tried to run up to the man, but after a few strides my headache returned, more intense than before. I lost my balance and fell on the cold damp pavement. The fireworks above exploded again, and I tensed up at the overwhelming sound and light. Just when I wondered if the man had left with my drink, I heard his mocking voice.

“Ah, so you don’t want the drink anymore? Well, I suppose it is about time for you to quit, with that nasty headache of yours. What a shame...we still had a long way to go...”

At his words, my blood rushed in my ears and my pulse overtook the deafening explosions. I could not lose to this man, and I wouldn’t allow myself to appear weak.

I must not fear the fireworks. I must not dishonor my parents.

Enduring the pain, I stood up to face the man. His pale face was angled upward; his wild eyes stared down at me, his wide grin exposed all of his gleaming teeth. He started to chuckle softly in amusement. Eventually his laughter rose in volume and intensity, and I began to feel unsettled. Before I could reach for my drink again, the man took hold of my throat.