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."

its chubby leaves that faded from green to pink,

sincerely. "Yeah, I was walking by a flower shop a few days ago 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. "I'll accept it then. But really, we're friends. You don't need to be so

the clear night sky, full of

a soft flutter in

...

to the hospital room early

a lunchbox with something that resembled care and precision. "Murray, don't say I don't

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

almond oatmeal, then at York's smiling face, barely suppressing a

the stomach-soothing oatmeal Roseanne used to make. Anything else was as good as

barely tasted it before grimacing and tossing the spoon aside. "Forget it! It tastes weird! Where did you find this chef? Can't even make a decent oatmeal." York raised an eyebrow. "Come on, you're too picky. It

was expressionless.

it? My chef's a big, tough guy, and he just doesn't match up to a sweet girlfriend cooking you oatmeal with love, right? Oh,@ight, ex-girlfriend...

Weet

violently, trying to stop