12:22

Silence.

The barrage of fireworks from the condo complex across the canal has concluded. It began about 8:30. Phoenix took the commotion calmly. Diablo retired to under the bed after witnessing a red and white rocket explode overhead. Stunned for a moment and she then slunk off as smoke drifted down the waterway like a thick cloud on a New England sea coast.

2008. Yes, twenty seconds ago it was 2000.