Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Norris quipped, "What are you, the neighborhood gossip now? Besides, Anne probably doesn't know the ins and outs of everyone's private life. What's the point in asking her? Next time, just go straight to Mr. Reynolds himself." Madge actually nodded, "Alright, I'll ask him directly if I get the chance."

"Wait... you're serious?" Norris was taken aback.

Madge rolled her eyes, "Anne, got any sugar cubes?"

"Yeah, I'll grab them," Anne replied, standing up to head to the kitchen.

With their daughter out of earshot, Madge turned to Norris, "Anne lives alone and she's right next door to Mr. Reynolds. They seem to get along well, so shouldn't I get the lowdown?"

"You've got a point there. My wife always thinks of everything, heh..."

Madge glared at him, "Don't get all cozy now. What will Anne think if she sees us like this?"

"Ahem!" Norris promptly sat up straight, "I'll be more mindful!"

The guest room was immaculately prepared for them, Roseanne had even swapped out the old mattress for a new one.

The bed linens were fresh out of the package, washed and aired before being laid out.

"Mom, Dad, why don't you rest up and take a nap? I'll take you out later for a tour around Lumina City. You've been here a few times but never really got to explore. This time, we'll make up for it." Norris and Madge had visited Lumina City before.

During her four years of college, they visited her three times.

to help

when they heard she had a boyfriend and, feeling uneasy,

them for the first two, and Murray showing up on the third day only to rush off

visit was for

such an important milestone in their daughter's life, only to learn from others that she had decided to abandon a promising academic path

couldn't understand her decision

ended on a bitter note, with vows of

visits weren't exactly filled with warm memories, but they hoped

to pick up their favorite cuts

slippers had been arranged

dinner, Roseanne went to

but raise

g skills."

she got it from me... How did

to ignore him, knowing

handed them their chopsticks, "Shall

wait any

nodded in approval, "My girl definitely got her cooking talent from me..." Madge

...

they took a walk around

painted the sky in hues of orange and