Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Sweetheart, you're the best-"

"Stop it... Let's call it a night."

"...Okay."

Turns out, hitting the sack early to recharge was the right move because the next day, Roseanne took them to the Grand Canyon.

Another day blessed with sunshine.

Since they started off early, it wasn't too hot when they arrived.

Norris stood on the rim, gazing down at the spectacular and majestic view of the canyon.

Madge, however, seemed a bit lost in thought.

"What's up, Mom?" Roseanne noticed her staring intently at a particular spot, as if mesmerized.

Madge: "Isn't that the North Rim over there?"

"Yeah."

"It's called the Observation Point, right? The highest lookout at the Grand Canyon. The plaque with 'He who has not seen the Canyon has not seen grandeur' is there?" "Yep, yep," Roseanne nodded vigorously, "Mom, did you actually research this time?"

Madge was known for her go-with-the-flow attitude.

She never planned her trips, content to sit and enjoy the scenery wherever she ended up.

So her preparation this time was quite the surprise.

Roseanne was taken

just smiled, neither confirming nor

betrayed

nor had she looked

soon as she saw that spot, the information just

the memories she had

was full of vigor, but after snapping a

I can't. I'm too tired and hot. Let's rest a bit

last night, all confident, saying they'd be fine? And now? Barely started and already waving

his ground: "Hey,

chicken. That I've made it

without a break, look at those young folks, turning back halfway.

the seemingly endless staircase below them, quite a few younger folks had started heading

Madge was speechless.

arguing

bicker,

caught her:

as if to say, "Us

Dad, let's

to his feet

Madge chuckled: "Vain, much?"

to my beautiful wife, I can't afford to look sloppy. Honey, how

Norris shouted, "Wait!"

and tried to adjust it, but couldn't find the right

his struggle, reached out to help him, a look of