As Stockton moves forward, the “rhythmic cracks” of that afternoon will eventually fade, replaced by the mundane sounds of lawnmowers and distant radios. But the lesson remains: innocence is precious, and the community’s will to protect it is the strongest force we have. We continue to ask questions, to study the science of safety, and to honor the myths of our resilience because that is how we ensure that the next celebration remains just that—a celebration.
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