1976, Washington DC, USA.

Prior to the war, the 4th of July had been Patrick’s favourite holiday. He got together with the neighbourhood, spent the whole morning at the grill, chatting with neighbours and drinking beer, then watched the fireworks with everyone. And today it was similar enough, for now at least. The sun was shining and the hot dogs smelled delicious, but his mind was elsewhere. Last year was rough, before he knew what was happening he was screaming and panicking as the shell shock hit the second the fireworks boomed. He hated having to be treated like some ticking time bomb, the look on everyone’s faces throughout the whole day told him what they were all thinking.

Letting out a sigh, he adjusts his 'kiss the cook' apron and flips the sausages before they get burnt, no point in moping around. When his eyes perk up, though, he instantly brightens upon seeing the new neighbour that just joined them in the backyard. "You came!"