Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Owen didn't make a sound. To him, food was a means to refuel, and he never cared about the taste. "All clean now."

Glancing at the neatly arranged bell peppers and kale, it was evident the work of someone with a touch of OCD.

"What's so funny?" Owen asked, puzzled.

Roseanne cleared her throat. "Nothing. You should head out now."

"Okay." Owen dried his hands and nodded slightly.

Roseanne had made a whole spread of dishes, leaning toward the lighter side, the kind of food Madeleine could and would enjoy.

"It's kind of you to remember," Madeleine remarked, touched.

After the meal, Roseanne cleaned up without being asked. Owen naturally joined in to help.

While standing under the warm glow of the kitchen light, his silhouette elongated. From Roseanne's perspective, his finely chiseled profile resembled that of an ancient Greek statue. Madeleine leaned against the doorframe. "Anne, how did you meet Owen?"

proud pupil, and Roseanne her favorite student. She had long wanted to introduce them to each other. Surprisingly, they had met each other beforehand due to a twist of

to the living room, where a young woman rose from the sofa with a smile. "Ms. Payne, I'm Hertha. I visited you in the hospital before and inquired about

"I remember. Please

you've been recuperating at

tea table. There were vitamins, fish oil, calcium tablets, and the

Her smile slightly faded.

mentioned, "Last time, we talked about the graduate program spots for this

these back. As for the graduate program, it's competitive every

Hertha was shocked.

about "opportunities," "trying," and "doing your best." Why does she sound so different today? Hertha tried to say

Sherwood, I'm sorry, but I have guests over, so I can't keep you

went wrong, she left in

Hertha exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing

attire, a white T-shirt paired with a