Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

On a quiet night, a whisper floated through the darkness from the other end of the phone, "Anne, it hurts."

Murray's voice was shaky, betraying his pain. In that instant, Roseanne felt sympathy.

Murray was strong, stubborn, and never one to back down. Whether it was drinking himself into a stomach ulcer or working so hard that he forgot to eat, he pushed himself to the limit. During those times, Roseanne had tried everything to help him recuperate.

She ensured he ate three square meals and even learned some massage techniques from an experienced physiotherapist. After much effort and time, she managed to get his health back on track. Yet, all she got in return was a terse "You're a bother." And sometimes, when his patience ran thin, he'd frown and snap, "Why are you acting like my mom?"

The memories, long buried, resurfaced in her mind, but the wave of sympathy quickly faded.

Roseanne replied, "I'm not a doctor. If it's that bad, go to the hospital."

When he heard her cold response, Murray's grip on the phone tightened, yet he persisted, "I want the oatmeal you make."

Roseanne stayed silent, listening.

a silent standoff. Finally, Roseanne

he was asleep, the nurse glanced over

nurse's voice trailed off in

returned the phone and closed his eyes, worn

...

next day, Roseanne was

Cliff's number. "How's your stomach? Feeling better? Still

sleep, Cliff thought it was

not even opening his eyes. But the moment he heard Roseanne's voice, he sat up immediately.

your oatmeal was

I finished it in a few

ever since. I wish

to come and pick it up before ending the call. She and Murray could never return

Murray would ask her to leave it to cool down each time, planning to eat it later. Today,