Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Norris quickly nodded, "Sure, sure, we'll catch up later."

Owen gave a slight nod, then took his leave.

Once inside, Roseanne busied herself with the luggage.

Madge and Norris began to survey their daughter's living space.

A two-bedroom apartment, neither big nor small.

Although the layout and basic fixtures showed signs of wear and tear, the personal touches were evident.

The sofa, cabinets, and appliances all looked brand new.

Some of the unavoidable flaws were cleverly hidden with decorative pieces - a cover here, a screen there, managing to conceal most of the imperfections.

At first glance, it looked like a cozy and well-appointed little apartment.

Seeing the disheveled state of the stairwell earlier, they hadn't held much hope for their daughter's living situation.

But stepping inside, they found themselves in a completely different world.

Madge was pleased.

to make the rented apartment look so lovely, but also because it showed her daughter's earnest approach

be simple, but one's attitude towards life should

got married, Norris's monthly salary was only $3,200, and he had to give $2,000 to his parents, leaving them

their financial situation got

even so, Madge would still

a little extra, she'd opt for something pricier; if it was the end of the month and money was tight, she'd pick wildflowers during their weekend hikes, arranging them in a bottle, and that was just as good. Roseanne

out of character for a child raised in a

would say

her mother's family

same thought, so he'd rather scrimp and save

say, "Your mom settled

up all my

her out of that

misfortune, he'd just laugh

en.kiki

energy. Meeting your mom, that was energy plus; the other difficulties in life, that's energy minus. Because the plus was so much at once, the minus has to come

was just starting middle school and had recently encountered physics

she could only draw two

he's not

for the rest

Norris was speechless.