Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne had been fretting she'd miss Madge's birthday party. Thankfully, the day before the big bash, the books she'd ordered arrived right on schedule. Madge, clasping the books to her chest, couldn't hide her delight. "How on earth did you know I've been dying to get my hands on this series?" "You've been harping on about it for ages," Roseanne teased, raising an eyebrow. "It would've been hard not to notice."

Madge huffed, a playful scowl crossing her face. "Well, maybe if you came home more often... But thank you, darling. I absolutely adore this gift."

She smiled warmly, pulling Roseanne into a tender embrace. Her eyes, soft and loving, watched over Roseanne as her hands gently brushed through her hair.

"I remember you always had such long hair. What made you cut it short?"

Roseanne nuzzled closer, feigning offense. "Don't you like it?"

"It's lovely. My girl always looks beautiful," Madge declared with pride.

Roseanne chuckled softly, clinging tighter to her mother.

"Got through the written exam, huh? The interview's up next, right?" Madge mused. "Guess you'll be heading back to Lumina City soon."

Roseanne paused, then softly agreed.

Madge laughed softly, a knowing glint in her eye. "I knew Pinehollow couldn't keep you tied down. You've grown, my dear. It's time to spread your wings. Go on, chase your dreams."

tremble ran through Roseanne's lashes as she whispered, "This

a spatula like a baton, glancing over at the mother-daughter duo. "What's this, top-secret

day, Roseanne boarded the

chilly and dust-coated after weeks of

in, she checked on

a pair named Ruby

swimming happily. She fed them before turning her attention

the apartment from top to bottom, swapping out old. linens for fresh ones, and dressing

the time she'd finished, it was nearing six

she ordered groceries online and began to cook a leisurely dinner, bathed in the warm, yellow glow of the

As evening deepened and

streetlights flickered on, Owen,

spent the day in the lab, paused

sense of realization

on in the

pace, he made his way upstairs, his