Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

It was a bustling June in the lab, and Roseanne had been going nonstop for two weeks before finally getting a day off.

She had just finished feeding her fish early in the morning when Norris called.

"Is Anne up?"

"Yeah, I'm up."

"Why not sleep in? I thought you said you had the day off from the lab to rest."

"My internal clock's set, I guess. How's mom?"

"In her study."

"Working on her novel again?"

"Yep! You know her; mornings are when her muse speaks loudest."

Roseanne's thoughts drifted to the matter of the contract, her gaze intensifying, "Dad, has mom's publisher been around lately?"

"Not that I've seen. Why? They do most of their communicating online these days."

"Just curious."

hanging up, Roseanne headed to the

in the backyard tending to

over the keyboard, crafting line

was calm and

in the faculty housing area where their old house stood, a woman was growing impatient

in a Chanel suit, clutching a Louis Vuitton

Such surroundings!

Such conditions!

than a dog's

for Madge's contract nearing renewal, she wouldn't have bothered with

have renewed online, avoiding this hassle. But after their last argument, Madge had blocked all

but Madge always came crawling back, ready to compromise. This time, she wanted Madge

Resistance would

a matter

know

"Open up!"

ignore a visitor, Madge. We have our professional disagreements, but where's your basic courtesy and respect?" "Madge-If you keep this up,

hands reddened from the effort, but the door remained unresponsive. "Knock,

next door, Louisa emerged in her pajamas, her hair a mess, clearly

hips, glaring at Nadine through the