sudden noises

The forth of July holiday in Chicago brings many nights of firecrackers and half sticks of dynamite exploding well into the evening.  I thought when I moved from Humboldt Park to Bucktown, I wouldn't have to endure those festive nights anymore.

I was wrong, dead wrong. 

Instead, as dynamite sticks explode, my heart skips a beat as I utter a small curse word and listen to car alarms sounding for a few brief moments.  Then, my heart sinks, as I watch one of my two cats slink quickly across the floor, making a beeline to the bathroom, which, apparently, it is the safest place in the apartment.  I follow him and discover that he is shaking and huddled directly under the toilet.  As I look for the other one, he's also in the bathroom, but causally sleeping, behind the door and pushes slightly on the door for more room.  One is truly frightened of the sudden noises, while the other sits nearby for comfort. 

It is only late Friday evening, wait actually it's early Saturday morning as I check the clock.  It is the beginning of a three day weekend, a holiday weekend, and I have a feeling I will be forced to endure at least two more nights of 'celebration'.  More firecrackers, more dynamite sticks, and the 2am crowd heading home from the local nightclub.  I can handle the noises after a few more mini 'heart attacks' and curse words.  I wonder if the kitties will spend the evening in the bathroom or eventually venture out to sleep in comfort.