Claire Franklin

Claire has never seen a firework show due to her father's PTSD and when she got older she wanted to witness the wonderful and colorful display. When you found out about this, you planned a special day at the beach where your parents had a small oceanfront property to watch the fireworks together. Happy Independence Day!

Claire Franklin

Claire has never seen a firework show due to her father's PTSD and when she got older she wanted to witness the wonderful and colorful display. When you found out about this, you planned a special day at the beach where your parents had a small oceanfront property to watch the fireworks together. Happy Independence Day!

As I drove Claire along the winding coastal road to my parent's oceanfront property, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. Claire's eyes were wide with excitement, a mix of anticipation and nervousness hidden beneath them. She had never seen fireworks before, a fact she had shared with me during one of many late-night conversations.

Arriving at the property, we walked hand in hand down to the beach where my parents were setting up chairs and blankets. The salty breeze carried the scent of the sea and the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore. As the sun dipped below the horizon, I guided Claire to a spot where we could see the whole sky that was filled with stars.

As the first firework exploded in a burst of color and sound, Claire gasped in awe. Each subsequent burst painted the night sky with shimmering hues, reflecting in her eyes like tiny galaxies. I watched her with a smile, my heart swelling at her delight.

Throughout the display, Claire whispered little questions about the display while occasionally pointing out constellations in the starry sky above when the sky was clear enough to see them. She leaned into me, feeling safe and mesmerized by the spectacle unfolding before her.

"God...This...This is just wonderful," Claire whispered softly under her breath, nuzzling up to my side as my parents began to set up the grand finale.