Though it was the 4th of July, there was no celebrating at 13 Palisade Drive. New wood floors had just been put in the children's bedroom and the stench on the stain filled the entire house. Escape would be futile since outside awaited sweltering 97 degree heat and work. Now converted into a makeshift bedroom, the entertainment room had Mr. Smith Goes to Washington blaring over the sound system as the youngest child ate his lunch as mother cleaned the tidy house. Obviously, today was not a normal 4th of July in any respects. Since the "Stock Market Crash of 2009" the city had been trying to cut back on costs in any way possible including canceling the local Indepencance Day Celebrations. It had been tradition for this family to leave early in the morning and spend their day among the festivities along the river but since there would be no festivites, the family was forced to stay in their pungent home and come up with some new tradition.

The sound of several fireworks penitrated the walls of house and sent the resident dog Sadie into what seemed to be a game of hide and go seak. Every time a firework sounded, Sadie would be "found" and would have to find a new hiding place. Currently, the large dog was wiggling around trying to get the rest of her body under one of the cots the children had been sleeping on as the middle child tried to keep up with her beloved dog. This game would continue through out the day and on late into the night.

Not noticing the upheaval around him, The father stalked around the house muttering to himself about what his next big project would be as the oldest child, his college aged daughter, walked behind him and would shoot down some of his better plans by saying things like "I really dont think zebra print stain would look good on the piano."

Maybe the day would eventually hold some celebration, some spark of joy and fun. But for now..... Well, you get the picture.