Burned Fingers

          My parents said I was too young and irresponsible to play with sparklers. Holidays with fireworks ended with my mother fetching the Aloe Vera rub and some bandages for I was too hypnotized by the blinding light and sizzling sparks that were produced by the burning stick to notice the flickering flames cooking my hands. I swore to not burn my hands this year. We lit some sparklers and the promise was forgotten. I held it for a dangerous amount of time. The heat crept up to my hand, and I frantically dropped the scorching sparkler on my foot instead.