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.

Roseanne replied, "Sure. I'll head out and grab some groceries. Swing by

the best! Love you. I'll

Roseanne chuckled.

...

a quaint neighborhood near Kingswell University, navigating several winding alleys before finally parking near the designated spot. Walking down the shaded lane, he found the building. Remembering her mention of the

and sweating as if he'd lost half his life in the effort, Cliff stood

him a glass

waved off the concern. "Just a bit out of

say "run-down" but thought better of it at the last

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

craving. He nodded, "Thanks, Roseanne. I

he hesitated, turning

checked her phone, "It's almost one. I need

words swallowed, Cliff nodded,

watched his sports car disappear before letting her smile fade. She could guess what Cliff wanted

...