Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

He adjusted his glasses and said, "Physics isn't something you can master overnight. It has its rhythm and path, and you can't stop it on a whim." A bit sheepish, the project leader responded, "I was just saying."

They parted ways on less-than-friendly terms. Owen turned around, only to see Roseanne smiling and waving at him. "Long time no see, neighbor."

Walking side by side on their way home, Roseanne deliberately steered the conversation away from the earlier incident, opting for lighter topics instead. "Thanks for your help the other day. I've been sailing through my assignments ever since."

Owen shrugged it off modestly. "It's all you. Your insight made the difference. Have you met with Ms. Payne lately?"

Hands clasped behind her back, Roseanne gazed at the ground as they strolled. "No, just a few phone calls. She's recovering nicely and should return to the university in a few days."

"That's good to hear," Owen nodded. "Ms. Payne takes her teaching duties very seriously. I bet she's itching to get back."

As the evening darkened, a cyclist wobbled past them.

Stepping on an uneven paving stone, Roseanne stumbled and nearly lost her balance, almost crashing into the bicycle.

In a flash, Owen reached out, grabbing her slender wrist firmly and pulling her close to avoid the oncoming bicycle.

His warm fingers tightly clasped her wrist through the thin fabric

ears flushed with warmth.

to mingle. Realizing it, Roseanne took a step back. Owen, too, let go of her hand, and they continued home in

her home,

moment in her

the details magnifying

the warmth

hand,

the minty freshness of

She touched her wrist, feeling a phantom

after a debate left Owen sweaty and uncomfortable. Slipping into flip-flops, he took a shower and ordered

checking

noticed an ad for a

at $9.99.

of the ones Roseanne wore the last time he visited her. Her toes, peeking out from the dark slippers, appeared dainty and fair against the