There were gun shots a few blocks away. He heard them as he tried to sleep. Outside, a pair of tennis shoes hung on a wire. An old alleycat crisscrossed the backyard looking for a mate. And, down the street the flashing neon sign went dim.

Everything was dark. Cars rolled by with their headlights on low. A murmur of heavy bass crept through the neighborhood. Soon 4th of July would be here; fireworks and gun shots, fireworks and gun shots. The old man’s cough from down the hall would be silenced. No more of his constant hacking. Just fireworks and gun shots.

Summer would be starting soon. More homicides, more domestic cases, more cars speeding away on Lima Road. And gas stations. Always a target in the summer heat. But, tonight he sat in the dark listening to gun shots.

What would summer bring?, he thought. More anger, more frustration, more heat. It did every year. There’s always a spark that sets off summer. Always an unfortunate event. You can count on it, he whispered. You can count on it. May glorious summer spring upon us, he laughed.

The early morning cool air came through his windows. And there was silence. A peaceful silence. Enjoy it while you can, he thought. Enjoy it while you can.