Bang! Bang! Bang!
As the clock struck midnight, a cascade of dazzling fireworks exploded across the night sky, illuminating half the city. Alfred Scott had already retreated to his room, unable to hold on any longer, leaving only Mary Scott and David Locke on the balcony.
Mary reclined comfortably in a lounge chair, gazing at the brilliant night sky. The last time she had the leisure to enjoy such a scene was six New Year's Eves ago. After that, she had drifted from place to place, struggling daily to make ends meet. When she returned to the country, her life alternated between rushing from one gig to the next and juggling part-time jobs.
Even last New Year's Eve, she spent it at a film set. Because extras were hard to recruit during the holidays, production crews would double their pay rates.
