Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Abbey couldn't help but snicker, her gaze sweeping over the pile of fruits Norris had brought: "Sis, did you guys also buy cherries? How come they look so much smaller than the ones Raven got?" Madge's smile faltered slightly, her tone gentle: "How can we compare to Raven's family?"

Abbey burst into laughter: "Well, that's true! Maddox and Raven's place, naturally, is unmatched."

Roseanne smirked, seemingly casual: "Aunt Abbey, what fruits did you get?"

Abbey's smile froze.

Roseanne appeared not to notice, conveniently the bag was right by her feet, she casually rifled through it: "Let's see... apples, pears, oranges..."

Not a single one was a pricey fruit of the season.

"Looks like Aunt Abbey knows how to pick, all stuff we regularly enjoy."

Abbey found the comment grating, yet couldn't fault Roseanne's words: "Yes, yes, thought I'd pick up something everyone loves..."

Truth be told, Abbey came from a decent background, both her parents were permanent staff at the power company and her father even held a minor official position. Being the only daughter, she never lacked for anything growing up.

Yet, she was known to be frugal, not particularly generous towards others.

Especially towards her own family.

"Aunt Abbey really thought

a loss for

Raven cleared her throat and suggested, "Let's not just talk. How

Aunt Raven." Roseanne boldly popped a cherry

taste in

awkward, turning to her husband, hoping for a few comforting

didn't even glance her

and sweet!" Lauretta gestured for her to hurry, or else there'd be

eat, eat, eat, you

puzzled, thinking, "Is

it was

four times asking when they

matriarch immediately nodded: "Let's

study: Mum, dad, shall we start? It's the holiday

I'm not hungry, dear,

"Not hungry."

else hungry?" The matriarch immediately

Silence fell.

wait a bit more." The matriarch made the

"Wait for what?