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?"

her most 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 fate. Just then, from outside

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

"I remember. Please

smile brightened. "I heard you've been recuperating at

at the gift box on the tea table. There were vitamins, fish oil, calcium

Her smile slightly faded.

talked about

take these back. As for the graduate program, it's competitive every year. Admission depends

Hertha was shocked.

were full of encouragement, talking about "opportunities," "trying," and "doing your best." Why does she sound so different today? Hertha tried to say something else.

Sherwood, I'm sorry, but I have guests over, so I can't keep you any longer. I'll have Bob help you with your things

went wrong, she left in a daze, accidentally bumping into

exclaimed in surprise, "What are you

stood there in simple attire, a white T-shirt paired with a quaint floral