Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Corley lounged on the couch, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched Cliff's awkward fidgeting. "Well, you shouldn't worry. After all, Cliff fibbed about craving it. That's why Roseanne would cook it up. And she's not showing up anytime soon."

Murray's expression darkened instantly, his gaze slicing toward Cliff, icy and sharp. "Did I ask you to go? Who gave you the right to decide on your own?"

Cliff shrank back slightly, clearing his throat. "I was just concerned about your health. You've barely eaten anything these past few days. If Roseanne hadn't made that oatmeal, you'd still be starving..." Murray remained silent, his face a stone mask.

"I stopped by Roseanne's earlier. The place she's staying now is tiny and rundown, with no elevator. Climbing seven flights of stairs daily, you can tell she's having a rough time," Cliff ventured further, trying to read Murray's reaction.

Despite his words of disdain, a flicker of worry crossed Murray's eyes momentarily.

'Yeah, he still cares,' Cliff thought.

Just as Cliff was about to add something else, a high-pitched "Babe" echoed from the doorway. Both Cliff and Corley couldn't help but shudder at the sound. It was like nails on a chalkboard.

Millie hadn't heard from Murray in days. Calls went unanswered, and it was only after asking York she learned that Murray was in hospital for a gastric bleed. Panicked, she skipped her classes and rushed to the hospital.

so sorry. I just found

grating on

soothed her. "It's alright now. There's no

help but miss the days with Roseanne, how even in distress,

down her emotions, her sobs subsiding to sniffles, though her eyes remained red, filled

down, Murray softened. "My getting sick was

but it's

I'm

You should head

school."

sure you don't need me to stay? I

The famous oatmeal

someone offering to makevel.