Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

For Roseanne, that was a rare opportunity.

"If you're interested, you can take this back and have a look." He pulled out a flash drive and laid it before her, "It contains all the experiment details."

Roseanne looked up, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement. "Thanks, I'll give it some thought."

By ten o'clock, it was about time for Roseanne to head home.

Owen walked her to the door.

"I just live across the hallway. You don't have to walk me out," Roseanne said with a chuckle.

Yet, Owen glanced at her inadvertently exposed finger, gently reminding her, "You shouldn't keep that band-aid on for too long. Clean it with the iodine, and it's best to let it breathe."

Roseanne instinctively curled her index finger, "Thanks. I'll remember that."

Owen didn't say much more, just nodded slightly, then turned to pick up a small pot of pink succulents. "This is for you."

with its chubby leaves that faded from green to pink, so adorable.

and noticed there was just one left, so I picked it up. Consider it a thank you for that fish dinner you treated me to last time." Roseanne smiled.

in the clear night

a soft flutter

...

a visit to the hospital room

something that resembled care and precision. "Murray, don't say I don't look

stomach's been weak, you need something light. had my chef get up early to make this. Don't be fooled by its modest look. It's full of nutrients to have you bouncing back

oatmeal, then at York's smiling face, barely

fond of soups except for the stomach-soothing oatmeal Roseanne used to make. Anything

find this chef? Can't even make a

was expressionless. "Then

is it? My chef's a big, tough guy, and he just doesn't match

Weet

coughed violently, trying