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 kitchen to

the backyard

study, fingers flying over the keyboard, crafting line after line into

calm

area where their old house stood, a woman was growing

suit, clutching a Louis Vuitton handbag, her

Such surroundings!

Such conditions!

than a dog's

it not been for Madge's contract nearing renewal,

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

ready to compromise.

would eventually give way

was just a matter

know

"Open up!"

your basic

door remained unresponsive. "Knock,

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

stood in her yard, hands on hips, glaring at Nadine through