Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

As they strolled down the tree-lined path of the university's North Campus, Owen casually mentioned, "Every fifty yards or so, there's a signpost pointing towards the library. It's a straightforward route. This whole area is like a big ring. To the left, you've got the Stevenson Hall, and to the right, the library..."

Norris nodded along, trying his best to visualize the path in his mind, while his wife, Madge, listened intently.

Unexpectedly, during their conversation, they bumped into Roseanne, who was just coming upstairs.

"Mom, Dad? Are you heading out? Looks like it's going to rain soon..."

And to her surprise, Owen was with them.

"Mr. Reynolds? What brings you here?" she asked.

Madge offered a brief explanation.

After hearing what he said, Roseanne quickly thanked Owen. He just waved it off, saying, "No worries, glad to help."

As they headed back, Norris seized the moment to extend an invitation, "Owen, you've got to come over for dinner sometime. I'll cook. Let you taste some of my special recipes!"

Madge nodded in agreement, clearly supportive of the idea.

a family trait, but each

wanted to showcase

was all about the hospitality (since she didn't have

loved cooking and sharing her creations, especially since one

accepted the invitation without further

so eager to show off.

it, flaunt it. How else

She then curiously asked, "Dad, when did you get so close

"You see,

time together. Owen and I both study physics and enjoy a good game of

en

IMS

usual candor, interjected, "Don't listen to him. Your dad just

expertise in physics was a topic beyond Madge's understanding, making it

much. But once she left for

something," Roseanne mused, hearing praise for him for the second time in a

"You two get along so well, why not become academic brothers? It'd make future collaborations