Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

A tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen as Norris emerged in the evening, holding a steaming bowl. "Minestrone tried a new recipe. Tell me what you think?"

Roseanne's eyes swept over the dinner table, brimming with dishes like beef stew, green beans, barbecued fish, the minestrone, and meatballs in tomato sauce, all her favorites.

Madge carefully picked the most tender fish and placed it in her bowl. "Your dad might not be the best at cooking fish, but this one? I've tasted it. It's exactly how you like it. Here, have some more." Norris feigned offense. "What do you mean I'm not good with fish? I'm about people, not just fish!"

A snort of laughter escaped them.

"Right," Madge conceded with a playful roll of her eyes, "You're a true master in the kitchen, whether it's cooking, fishing, or just being yourself. Satisfied now?"

Norris was pleased. "That's more like it. I ran into old Mr. Johnson next door the other day. Even he asked for my recipes! You're lucky I cook every day. You should just be quietly grateful."

Madge pretended to be angry. "Fine, fine. I'm 'quietly grateful.' Why don't you eat before your mouth starts another argument now?"

"That sounded pretty half-hearted. You don't believe me? Ask Anne if my cooking isn't top-notch." With that, Norris gently placed another piece of fish into her plate. "Here, Anne. Try this and tell me how it tastes."

parents' playful bickering brought a smile to

took a bite of the fish, savoring the fresh sweetness that only needed ginger and scallions to remove the fishy taste, finished off with soy sauce for that perfect

the office for him to finish work, then they'd ride home together, often passing through the local

the other hand, Madge never shopped for groceries, claiming she

specialty of Norris was scrambled eggs, learned solely because of

lack of culinary skills, which spurred him to refine his craft, eventually earning him the title of

taking on the role of preparing meals and waiting for him to come home

her

was eat and occasionally

think Dad makes the best fish, unbeatable by

"Whenever you

Roseanne responded with a