As the two crates of fireworks and firecrackers ran out, the people of Kirk Street said their goodbyes.
But just as they were about to head inside, fireworks lit up the distant streets again.
Clearly, some people were following their example.
Arthur wasn't surprised.
After all, happiness was contagious.
When you kept laughing, the people around you would always laugh along, especially when you were doing something fun. Laughter always added to the enjoyment.
Flashes of fireworks still lit up the window from time to time.
Pendragon watched curiously.
This wasn't Pendragon's first time seeing fireworks.
But they were still full of novelty.
To Pendragon, these glowing things were fascinating.
Meanwhile, Chief stood behind Pendragon, trying to catch that constantly swishing tail.
And the result each time?
Pendragon's tail knocked him flat.
After seven attempts in a row, Chief looked as though he were facing a formidable enemy.
Then he ran under the table, shielding half his body behind a table leg and poking his head out to study it closely, as though it weren't Pendragon's tail but an orange snake.
When Maltz finally couldn't resist picking his cat up, Chief clung to the table leg with both paws, determined never to let go.
Maltz could only sigh helplessly.
Arthur, meanwhile, held a grilled venison steak, a smile on his lips as he savored the meat and enjoyed the scene before him.
"Maltz, have you noticed that Chief really acts like a sled dog in summer?"
"I have.
I noticed when Chief chewed a hole through my bed frame."
Maltz gave a wry smile.
Chewed through the bed frame?
Arthur froze, then gave Chief a thumbs-up.
Chief tilted his head, unsure what that meant.
Then, perhaps deciding he looked too foolish like that, he jumped straight out of Maltz's arms