Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne felt a lump in her throat but she understood.

For Madeleine, research always came first.

It wasn't about the length of life, but the depth of the ocean of scientific inquiry she was navigating.

Maybe she would never reach the bottom, maybe she would exhaust herself trying, but what did it matter?

She was willing to rest eternally in the river of research, becoming the nutrients for those who followed, lighting their path forward.

"Are you going to cry again?"

Madeleine sighed, scenes like this were exactly what she tried to avoid.

Roseanne sniffled, "Who's crying? I'm not crying."

"Sure, sure, you're not crying." Madeleine chuckled.

"Let me give you a massage..."

Understanding her stubbornness and determination, Roseanne didn't try to persuade her further. Instead, she sat down and started gently massaging Madeleine's calves. Soon, Madeleine felt much better.

"Your arthritis must be acting up because of this crazy weather we've been having. I ordered some bath salts for you; they should be delivered in a couple of days. Remember to soak your feet every night, it'll help a lot." "I know, I know."

Madeleine laughed, pointing at the table, "There, take that phone number."

Roseanne was puzzled.

"Remember Hans Olson?"

eyes widened. "Professor

know, sulking now. I can't deal

to handle and analyze large sets of biological data,

earn their first seed money by coding a small program, thanks to the computer science tutoring Hans provided her during her undergraduate studies. After making sure Ms. Payne had

she took out the piece of paper and

call was promptly

second call,

the third attempt, the call

grumpy old

help but laugh. Just that "hmph" gave

not to play by the rules: "Sorry,

The other side immediately

"Professor Olson..."

hang up, just

wouldn't dare, I'm

got back? Am I not your mentor too? And you dare apply for a graduate

undergrad

"So

as talented

science. What's wrong

fields? Got a problem

with that?" Content beet