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.

visit was to help her settle in as a

feeling uneasy, took a trip during Norris's summer break

spent three days, with Roseanne accompanying them for the first two, and Murray showing up on the third day only to rush off after a brief meal, claiming he was

third visit was

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

understand her decision

a bitter note, with vows

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

Roseanne headed to the market to pick up their favorite cuts of meat and

slippers had been arranged

dinner, Roseanne went to wake her

the feast laid out, Madge couldn't help but

g skills."

got it from me... How did it

chose to ignore him, knowing he wouldn't

their chopsticks, "Shall we

wait

nodded in approval, "My girl definitely got her cooking talent from me..." Madge couldn't

...

they took a walk around Kingswell

sky in hues