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

"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

the clear night

soft flutter

...

and Cliff had planned a visit to the hospital

was carrying a lunchbox with something that resembled care and precision. "Murray, don't say I don't look out for you. Guess

chef get up early to make this. Don't be fooled by its modest look.

oatmeal, then at York's smiling face, barely suppressing a smirk, wondering if York was there to

stomach-soothing oatmeal Roseanne

spoon aside. "Forget it! It tastes weird! Where did you find this chef? Can't even make a decent oatmeal." York raised an eyebrow.

expressionless. "Then you have

it? My chef's a big, tough guy, and he just

Weet

Cliff coughed violently, trying to stop