Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

After dinner, the night had deepened significantly. Leda had driven herself, so she took her leave first.

Owen had his car too, and since Roseanne was his neighbor, it made sense for her to catch a ride with him.

Their old apartment building didn't have its own parking, so they had to park across the street at the mall and then walk back to their building.

On their way, they passed through a grove of cottonwood trees when suddenly a gust of wind kicked up.

Cottonwood fluff took to the air, swirling around them like a flurry of white snowflakes.

"Ah-choo-" Roseanne couldn't help but sneeze. "Sorry, I... Ah-choo-"

After several sneezes in quick succession, Owen realized she was allergic and quickly dug out a pack of tissues from his pocket, opened it, and handed her one. "Cover your nose with this and try to breathe through your mouth."

Following his advice, Roseanne found her nose felt much better.

They hurried back home.

After bidding each other goodnight at the door, Roseanne quickly closed her door and immediately let out a series of sneezes.

When she finally stopped, her nose was completely red.

but the cottonwood season could be downright

living here for nearly a decade, she never quite got used

a good ten minutes and a large glass of hot

took out some ingredients, and began preparing her lunch

time she finished, packed everything up, and

leaves, she sighed, resigned to her fate, and went downstairs to take out the trash. On her way back, before she could even

it up. "Hey, Cliff,

Murray's headed straight for you, and I couldn't stop him! He's had a bit to drink, and I'm worried he might do something rash..."

Murray reeked of alcohol, his cheeks flushed, his gaze

What happened? Why'd you stop talking" Cliff's anxious voice came

the phone from her hand, and ended the

now Cliff. Roseanne, you say you don't love

all tangled up

to get

buddies. What's that about?"

drunk," Roseanne turned away, her profile cold, "I don't

"You weren't like this before.

Roseanne pushed him away.