Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne always had a soft spot for the cozy diner on the second floor during her college days. The person serving the comfort food with a smile was a round-faced lady who always carried an air of happiness. Whenever Roseanne showed up, the lady would chatter away cheerfully, then generously scoop an extra helping of meat onto her plate.

From a distance, she could spot the familiar serving window. Nothing had changed. It had been three years since graduation, and Roseanne wasn't sure if the lady would still remember her.

As Roseanne joined the line, the lady was busy serving, not uttering anything. But when she felt the heft of the serving spoon, her face broke into a smile. "Thank you."

Owen paid for the food, and they found a spot to sit down.

Roseanne smiled. "It's been a while, but it tastes like before."

The chef's skills hadn't faded over the three years. If anything, they had improved.

Roseanne reminisced, "Back in college, I'd often lose track of time in the lab and forget to grab lunch. When I'd head out, it was almost 1:30 PM, and there wasn't much left. But that lady always saved a chicken leg for me."

Owen had been right behind her in line, recalling how the lady's impatience turned into a warm smile when she saw Roseanne.

to open up. "I didn't get along well with my roommate. Aside from Leda

Owen paused.

continued, "School's great, right? It's quiet and pure, the perfect place to focus. Honestly, reapplying for grad school might have been

...

their meal, they didn't

a stroll around campus. A gentle breeze kissed them when they walked along the gravet paths and passed under trellises draped with vines. Soon, they found themselves by

Roseanne found a stone bench to sit on,

is refreshing." She leaned back on her hands, watching the lotus leaves

Owen remarked, "Kingswell

.n

conservation these past two years, and it's been effective. That's why the lake is so clean.

moment's silence, Roseanne

your ex-boyfriend, right?" Owen

Roseanne turned to him.