Late Fireworks

Old Wang, a car mechanic on the edge of the city, had the greatest wish to let his son, Xiaobao, see a real fireworks display on the Spring Festival. This year’s Spring Festival was a little different from previous years. The news said that in order to protect the environment, many places had implemented a ban on setting off fireworks, but it had also loosened up a bit, allowing it in “specific areas and specific time periods.” This word "specific" was like a maze, making Old Wang completely confused.

Old Wang's home was located in the urban-rural fringe area. The tall buildings around them seemed like indifferent giants, and only the sound of firecrackers during the Spring Festival could bring a bit of liveliness. Xiaobao's eyes were always fixed on the fireworks that occasionally streaked across the night sky, his eyes full of longing. Old Wang knew that Xiaobao had a colorful fireworks world in his heart.

Thus, Old Wang began his "fireworks journey." He first consulted the community, and the community staff hemmed and hawed, only saying, "The specific situation depends on the notice." Where was the notice? No one knew. Old Wang then went to the police station. The policeman told him with a serious face that illegally setting off fireworks would lead to detention. Old Wang could only turn around and go to the street office, where people gave him a phone number and asked him to consult the "fireworks office."

The "fireworks office" phone rang for a long time before someone finally answered, but the other party seemed to be reciting from a script, reading a bunch of rules, and finally said, "In your situation, it is recommended to consult the Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau."

The phone at the Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau was easy to get through. The operator's voice was sweet and pleasant, but as soon as she heard Old Wang say that he wanted to inquire about fireworks, she immediately changed her tone: "We are only responsible for supervision, not explanation. You should still ask the fireworks office."

Old Wang felt like he was being kicked like a football, tossed around by various departments. He felt a deep sense of powerlessness. Seeing that the Lunar New Year's Eve was approaching, he decided to take a risk. He obtained a batch of fireworks from a "mysterious channel" and hid them in the tool room of the repair shop.

On New Year's Eve, night fell, and every household lit up their lights. Old Wang secretly pulled Xiaobao to the backyard, closed the door, and took out the fireworks from the tool room. He lit the fuse, and in an instant, colorful light illuminated the entire small yard. Xiaobao jumped up excitedly, clapping his hands, his eyes sparkling with joy. Old Wang looked at Xiaobao, a smile appearing on his face as well.

However, the sound of fireworks also alarmed the neighbors. Before long, there was a loud knock on the door outside the yard. Old Wang knew that the police had arrived. He smiled bitterly, thinking that he was probably going to jail this time.

The door was pushed open, and it wasn't the police who came in, but the community staff, holding a large loudspeaker, shouting at Old Wang, "Old Wang, does your child want to see fireworks? Come out, come out, our community has organized a collective firework display, free of charge! At the central square! It's been specially approved by the higher-ups to celebrate the Spring Festival, bring your child and go!"

Old Wang was stunned. He looked at the community staff, then at Xiaobao, who was holding the fireworks in his arms, unable to speak for a moment.

Xiaobao excitedly pulled Old Wang's hand, "Dad, Dad, let's go quickly!"

Old Wang followed Xiaobao numbly and walked out of the door. When they arrived at the square, many people had already gathered there, and the sky was illuminated by colorful fireworks, as if it were daylight. Xiaobao laughed happily, his laughter crisp and clear. Old Wang looked at the scene before him, a feeling of absurdity rising in his heart. Those fireworks he had hidden in the tool room had not even had time to be lit before they completely lost their value.

In the square, the dazzling fireworks were still blooming, seemingly mocking his persistence. Old Wang touched his pocket; the money he had originally planned to buy fireworks with was still there. At this moment, he saw an old man selling candied haws in a corner of the square, smiling at him, his eyes seeming to carry a hint of understanding. Old Wang walked over and bought a string of candied haws for Xiaobao. The sweet and sour taste spread in Old Wang's mouth.

"Old man, these candied haws are delicious!" Old Wang said with a smile.

The old man selling candied haws pointed to the fireworks in the sky and then to his own candied haws, saying, "Some things only have meaning when the time and place are right. Too early or too late won't do."

Old Wang looked at Xiaobao eating the candied haws and smiled, but he felt a chill in his heart.