This is a wonderful story, but it does beg for the other shoe to drop. I know the word limit hampers that. You developed this really well. The questions are intriguing: Why the fireworks/explosives? Why the similarity in appearance? Are the children referenced in the last part going to get hurt. This bit might be seen as foreshadowing if the story were developed further.
A really great build-up. Great mood creation also. I enjoyed reading this. Your fiction skills are getting better and better.