The child’s parents were also nearby, smiling as they watched to see if their child understood how to share happiness.


    Since this neighborhood was naturally inhabited by the wealthy and influential, everyone more or less recognized each other.


    The child still held a few sparklers in her hand.


    Seeing two strangers suddenly appear in front of her, she looked a bit puzzled and blinked her eyes.


    “Didn’t you buy any fireworks for her, sir?“.


    Chris squatted down to be at eye level with the girl, speaking sincerely, “No, I forgot Could you share one with us?”


    He held up one finger. “Just one will do!”


    Who would actually ask a child for fireworks?


    Jessica felt embarrassed and desperately tugged at Chris from behind, wanting to leave.


    The girl nced back at her parents.


    Her parents stood together, still smiling, wanting to see what their daughter’s decision


    would be.


    After a while, the girl handed a sparkler to Jessica.


    “He forgot and I’m willing to share this with you. Daddy said that girls can y <b>with </b>sparklers during the New Year and you’re a girl too!”


    The kindness of strangers always moved people deeply.


    Jessica hesitated for a few seconds until Chris gave her a little tug to bring her back to


    her senses.


    She squatted down and took the sparkler from the girl’s hand, saying sincerely, “Thank you. Your dress is very pretty. You’re the most beautiful girl!”


    The girl bounced happily into her parents‘ arms.


    “Thatdy just said I’m pretty!”


    $15 BOALUS


    <i>“</i>You are very pretty indeed, Nellie.”


    Jessica’s eyes reddened a bit as she held the sparkler.


    They found a very small, quiet corner.


    Those who were setting off fireworks with their parents, rtives, or lovers were all far


    away.


    Chris pulled a lighter from Jessica’s pocket and helped light the sparkler for her.


    “My father–inw won’t be able to apany you to watch fireworks anymore, but I will always be here with you.”


    The sparks of the firework exploded gently in her hand, the faint smell of gunpowder drifting around them.


    Chris didn’t overlook Jessica’s reddened


    eyes.


    He looked into her eyes, which sparkled as brilliantly as the fireworks.


    “I will always be with you.”


    Jessica sniffled and said, “Don’t lie to me.”


    ‘Dad lied to me. I hope you’ll keep your word,‘ thought Jessica.


    Back at home, Jessica suddenly acted like the little girl and leaned over to Linda,


    saying, “Mom, Chris tricked a little girl to get her sparkler.”


    Linda turned to look, her son–inw still holding the jacket their daughter had taken off, standing at the entrance with a smile still on his face.


    Albert also came out of the kitchen.


    “To whom did he give it?” asked Linda.


    Jessica said, “To me of course! The little girl said only girls can y with sparklers!”


    Lindaughed.


    The two of them went to wash their hands, and Albert handed Linda a cup of hot tea.


    “At first, I didn’t understand. With so many men, why did Mrs. Wilder choose Chris to be your daughter’s husband? Now it seems Mrs. Wilder really had foresight.”


    Linda said, “There aren’t many who can make Jessica smile, and Chris just happens to be the only one. Even I haven’t seen Jessica smile like this for a long time.”


    She knew the burden of the Wilder family had weighed heavily on Jessica for too long, but there was no other way.


    As a widow, she had long stepped down from a high position.


    Sophie was unable to bear the responsibility, and only Jessica could.


    “The only person that could stand by Jessica’s side is Chris.”


    Albert nodded and suddenly asked, “What about Michael? Mrs. Wilder, what are your ns?”