The naked edge

6

Near the Philippines, the newly married couple strolled the deck of the cruise ship. Holding hands, they admired the glorious radiance of the stars.

"You can't see this in Philadelphia," the man said. "All the light pollution in the city interferes with-"

The woman pointed. "What's that?"

"Oh, my God," the man said.

One of the stars exploded. It blossomed like a rocket on the Fourth of July. Flaming debris plummeted toward the water.

Seconds later, the rumble of the blast echoed over them.