Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne finished her morning jog, had a refreshing shower, and stepped onto her balcony to admire her collection of succulents, joined by a new addition, a pot of pink succulents standing out among the green. Gently poking it with her index finger, she admired the soft, tender plant, feeling a wave of happiness.

Her buzzing phone on the table snapped her out of her reverie.

Seeing "Cliff" flash on the screen, she answered with curiosity. "Cliff? What's up? Calling at this hour, is everything okay?"

Cliff greeted, "Hey, Roseanne, how've you been?"

"Good, you?"

It was his chance!

Cliff straightened up. "I'm... not doing great."

Roseanne frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Probably too many late nights and drinks. My stomach's a wreck. I can't really eat anything, but I've been seriously craving your homemade blueberry almond oatmeal. Any chance..." Cliff didn't mention Murray wanted it, opting for a roundabout plea.

Though she'd met Cliff through Murray, Roseanne had formed her bond with Cliff independently of Murray over the years. He reached out, especially when he was feeling unwell.

"Sure. I'll head out

best! Love you.

Roseanne chuckled.

...

quaint neighborhood near Kingswell University, navigating several winding alleys before finally parking near the designated spot. Walking down the

if he'd lost half his life in

a glass of water. "Are you okay?

off the concern. "Just a bit out of

thought better of

handed him the freshly made blueberry almond oatmeal. "Eat it while it's hot. I've packed some apple

aroma hit Cliff, and he understood the craving. He nodded, "Thanks, Roseanne. I owe

hesitated, turning

"It's almost one.

swallowed, Cliff nodded,

her smile fade. She could guess what Cliff wanted to say but

...