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

smiled, neither

eyes betrayed a hint

had she looked up any information about this part of

as she saw that spot,

in the memories she had

full of vigor, but after snapping

and hot. Let's rest a bit before we

was it last night, all confident, saying they'd be fine?

stood his ground: "Hey,

I've

folks, turning back halfway. I'm doing

on the seemingly endless staircase below them, quite a few

Madge was speechless.

arguing with

watching her parents bicker,

her: "What's

playful wink, as if to say, "Us guys have to stick

Dad, let's take a picture

sprang to his feet

Madge chuckled: "Vain, much?"

look sloppy. Honey, how do I look?" Roseanne gave a thumbs-up, praising, "Dashing!

Norris shouted, "Wait!"

just realized his cap was askew and tried to adjust

him,