Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne led the way, with Owen trailing a step behind. She seemed to have become her usual self, contrasting the previous night's unease. Owen pulled up the car, and Roseanne slid into the passenger seat. They were driving when they passed a local flower store.

Suddenly, Roseanne opened her mouth. "Could we stop for a moment, just two minutes? I want to pick up some flowers."

"Flowers?"

Roseanne nodded. "Yeah, for Ms. Payne."

Owen gripped the steering wheel, puzzled. "Is that necessary?"

Roseanne was stunned, then chuckled. "Do you always show up empty-handed when you visit someone?"

Owen nodded earnestly.

Roseanne gave him a thumbs-up, amused, thinking, "So this is how the big shots do it, huh?"

But still, the man pulled over.

...

neighborhood had cozy bungalows, a blend of traditional and modern designs, each standing alone, simple, yet

the

sensed her hesitation. "Aren't you coming

bit her lip. "I think

glanced at her, then

few deep breaths, she unfastened her seatbelt and stepped

entered the yard, a gentle fragrance of flowers greeted her. The flowers by the fence, probably neglected due to the owner's illness, looked wilted. Even before stepping inside, Roseanne could hear Madeleine's voice, causing

Owen greeted, "Ms. Payne."

set down the latest issue of a biology journal magazine and adjusted her

her. "Just checking on you. How have you been

everyone to fuss over me like this." She patted his hand. "You're too kind. I'm perfectly fine!" Owen paused. "I brought someone else

"Who?" Madeleine looked puzzled.

his gaze, Roseanne appeared in the doorway, head bowed like

a few steps forward before the initial shock and a hint of joy turned into complexity and deliberate