When fate plays its hand

“Miranda, Happy Easter.” Paul’s voice was like a cello playing softly in the quiet of the night. It was rich and resonant, stirring a gentle vibration in the air.

Miranda’s ear tickled slightly, and she instinctively scratched it while switching her phone to the other side. “Dr. Jefferson, Happy Easter.”

Just then, the countdown of the Easter special variety show hosts boomed from inside the house, “Five, four, three, two-”

As the word “one” was about to be spoken, Paul’s voice came through, steady and clear. ” Miranda, look up.”

She followed his instructions without thinking. Fireworks exploded into the sky, their vibrant trails cascading down like a shower of starlight upon the earth.

“Oh

my gosh. Are fireworks allowed in Elgerson this year? Wait, these aren’t regular fireworks. They’re electronic fireworks!” she exclaimed.

Then, she added, “I thought the news said large–scale electronic fireworks were still a technical challenge that hadn’t been overcome?”

“Well, clearly they’ve solved it!” Paul answered.

“This is stunning! And there’s no smell of gunpowder at all!”

“Did you notice? These electronic fireworks stay in the air longer, and they come closer to the ground. It almost feels like you could reach out and touch them…”

“Does this mean we’ll get to see fireworks every Easter from now on?” she asked.

“Of course!” he exclaimed. “Now that the technology’s here, it’s not just for show–they’ll definitely use it!”

The neighbors spilled out of their homes. Their chatter and excited gasps mingled with the sound of the fireworks bursting overhead, creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.

Miranda was transfixed. The fireworks reflected in her dark eyes, blooming and falling as their fleeting brilliance captivated her entirely. The beauty was brief but dazzling, carrying no regret; the cycle of bloom and fade was a certainty.

Over the phone, Paul’s voice came through softly. “Miranda, it’s our third year now.”

Miranda smiled, her gaze fixed on the fireworks lighting up the night. She murmured, ‘ Time flies… Two years have already passed without us even realizing it.”

“Can we video call?” he asked.

“Sure.”

13

Soon, his video request popped up, and she accepted. On the other end, Paul was wearing a high–neck sweater. His profile was bathed in soft light, giving his usually cool demeanor a touch of warmth.

Behind them, the fireworks continued to paint the night sky, illuminating half the horizon. Just then, Paul suddenly chuckled.

Miranda tilted her head. “Dr. Jefferson, what’s so funny?”

“Shouldn’t we laugh when we’re happy?”

She nodded. “Of course.‘

“I thought you’d ask me why I’m happy,” replied Paul.

“There’s no need to ask. Isn’t everyone happy during the holidays?”

Paul shook his head. “That’s not it.”

“Oh?” Miranda was confused.

“It’s not because of the holiday,” Paul said again.

“Then why?”

“Because I get to celebrate it with you.‘

11

Miranda froze as she was caught off guard.

Paul began again, “Miranda, I—”

“Mimi! Come inside! It’s cold out here, and the view through the glass is just as good!” Fiona called out to her.

“Coming, Grandma!” Miranda responded, then turned back to Paul. “Dr. Jefferson, what were you saying?”

Paul hesitated. “Nothing. Go inside.”

“Alright. Good night,” said Miranda.

“See you.”

“Paul, who were you talking to? And why are you out here?” novelbin

Alex had stepped outside for a cigarette and spotted his younger brother standing in the middle of the garden, wearing only a thin sweater. He was seemingly immune to the cold, chatting animatedly on his phone.

Curious, Alex thought about getting closer to overhear the conversation, but before he

could, Paul hung up.

Paul frowned. “Why are you out here?”

Alex raised the cigarette in his hand.

“You should cut back. It’s bad for your health.”

Alex laughed at Paul’s earnestness. “Not smoking is worse for my health.”