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 full of character.

been six years. Roseanne tightened her grip on the

sensed her hesitation. "Aren't you coming

"I think I'll wait a

man glanced at her, then nodded. "I'll go

After taking a few deep breaths, she

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

Owen greeted, "Ms. Payne."

a biology journal magazine and adjusted her reading glasses. "Eh? Owen?

stepped forward to assist her. "Just checking on you.

There's no need for everyone to fuss over me like this." She patted his hand. "You're too kind.

"Who?" Madeleine looked puzzled.

his gaze, Roseanne appeared in the doorway, head bowed like a child who

of joy turned into complexity and deliberate