Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Winter nights draw in early, and when the clock struck seven, rows of street lamps on both sides of the road lit up, casting a warm glow on the chilly evening.

The stretch from the subway station to Kingswell University had a bustling market where vendors sold anything.

Crossing the bridge, Roseanne heard the distant shout of a vendor selling hot dogs. She blinked away the sting from the cold wind and turned to Owen, "Wait here for me, will you?" Owen stood still, and she was back in two minutes, cradling two hot dogs in her hands. "Here."

The hot dogs were a comforting warmth, though biting into them was almost too hot. Roseanne gently blew on hers, took a careful bite, and smiled brightly.

Turning to Owen, she asked, "Is yours good?"

He nodded, admitting it was the best hot dog he'd ever had.

Roseanne couldn't hide her pride. "See, I always pick the good ones."

Owen's smile, infectious from hers, played at the corners of his mouth, a soft laughter lighting up his eyes.

They reached home by seven.

the underfloor heating wrapped them in warmth. Roseanne

Owen lent her last week for her studies. After

of mint filled the air between them, causing an unexpected flutter

spotting the notes and a quirky doodle she

deepened at

amusement in his gaze, Roseanne quickly ripped off the bookmark. "Ah, just some doodles I do when I'm

the subject,

invite you to dinner to thank you for all your help

her sincerity, Owen didn't refuse but suggested, "Why not

Roseanne laughed. "How about

ket

last exam, I'll go grocery shopping, and you cane come

Owen agreed, "Sounds good."

few rays of sunlight

the supermarket after her exam and then caught a

six, there was a knock on the