Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Who's there?" Hearing the knock, Norris quickly wiped his hands on his apron, glancing at the freshly made roast chicken and carefully placing it on the table before heading to the door. In the room, watering the houseplants, Madge heard the knock, peering outside, "Who's it? Is it Jay?"

Norris replied, "Jay texted this morning and said he'd arrive tomorrow. It's probably Lacey from next door. You've been under the weather lately, and I asked her to bring some fresh milk..." At the door, Roseanne looked at her father opening the door. Six years flew by. The white at his temples had spread, and the lines on his square face deepened.

As a child, she loved riding on her dad's shoulders, but her father seemed older, his back more bent, yet his eyes remained as sharp and clear as they had been six years ago. "Dad..." her voice was soft.

From initial shock to disbelief, Norris' expression darkened. "What are you doing back?"

The outside fell silent. Feeling something was off, Madge exited the living room before she entered the yard. "Norris, why aren't you answering? Who is it?"

However, upon seeing the person at the door, her grip loosened, and the watering bottle dropped with a crash.

Tears filled Roseanne's eyes. Her mother looked as beautiful and elegant as ever, seemingly favored by time.

Their eyes met, and she couldn't help but murmur, "Mom..."

but unable to form a complete sentence. After a moment, she managed in a husky

living room,

expression blank, "Why did you

years ago, Roseanne

man over a direct Ph.D. program, something Norris found out about at the last minute. That night, he was so angry

for her and helped her grow, never thought she would

where she declared she had chosen between love and academia

scene still made Norris' chest tight with

before. From now on, you chase your love, and your

streamed

turned away, refusing to look at her. "I'm not your dad,

quickly. "Enough. You know your blood pressure is high, yet you still get worked up!" After telling Norris off,

stubborn! They had tried persuading and scolding her, but she decided to make her