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.

checking her watch, Roseanne replied, "Sure. I'll head out and

Roseanne! You're the best! Love you. I'll call you

Roseanne chuckled.

...

parking near the designated spot. Walking down the shaded

and sweating as if he'd lost half his life

handing him a glass of water. "Are you okay?

a bit out of shape, Roseanne. How did you end up in such a

to say "run-down" but thought better of it at

the freshly made blueberry almond oatmeal. "Eat it while it's hot. I've packed some apple pies, too. Be

he understood the craving. He

he left, he hesitated,

phone, "It's almost one. I need to head out. I'll walk

unspoken words swallowed,

smile fade. She could guess what Cliff

...