Page 211 of Sweet Dominion

“Alright, everyone!” DJ Hendrix shouted. “Let’s finish strong! Slide it out!”

The entire yard moved together, swaying to the beat, laughing and sliding in unison—well, almost unison.

Chen was still out there, doing his best Elvis impression, but somehow, that made everything even more perfect.

I raised my arms high, caught up in the energy of the night letting myself be swept away by the music, the laughter, and the people I loved.

My sisters were happy.

The cookout was a success.

Banks was still basking in his win and here I was, with Lei by my side.

Life didn’t get much better than this.

Just as the last notes of the "Electric Slide” faded away, a suddenwhooshbroke through the laughter and chatter, making me pause mid-laugh.

What was that?

I glanced up in surprise as the sky above us exploded into a brilliant burst of blue light, shimmering in the night air like magic.

“Whoa!” someone shouted.

Everyone’s heads turned upward in awe.

More blue fireworks lit up the sky. They arced and danced among the stars, leaving behind trails of shimmering light that twirled and spun in mid-air.

Jesus! This may be the best cookout I’ve ever been to.

And right with the blue fireworks, others exploded into brilliant bursts of green.

Banks bobbed his head, took that toothpick back out and placed it in his mouth. “Alright then. Brother can never stay mad with the East for too long. Real classy.”

Blue and green fireworks dazzled and burst.

We all stood there, mesmerized.

DJ Hendrix’s voice boomed through the speakers. “Shout out to Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi for the light show! We’re ending this night with a bang baby and that’s due to them!”

The crowd stopped dancing and erupted into cheers and clapping.

I glanced at Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi who were proudly beaming. They looked so happy, surrounded by my sisters.

I looked over at Lei and the soft glow of the fireworks danced across his face. His long hair caught the light and for a moment, he looked even more like the protector I had come to love.

He caught me staring and flashed me that smile that made my knees weak. Then he pulled me closer to him with one strong arm wrapped around my waist.

Fireworks continued to explode above us, lighting up the sky.

Damn. I wish TT could see this.

It was in that moment when I glanced over my shoulder in the direction of Lotus Blossom, hoping she ran to a window to see the fireworks too. She loved them. Last Fourth of July, I made it a point to take her to downtown Glory to see the free fireworks show.

I need to go up and check on TT.

Still gazing over my shoulder, I moved my view to the second level’s windows and the air shifted. For some reason, it thickened, tension creeping into my lungs. It was odd, but I felt the shocking problem before I saw anything. It was just this sense that something wasn’t right.

And then. . .when my gaze fell upon it. . .

---