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.

for meals seemed to be a family trait, but each had their

wanted to showcase his culinary

she didn't have

cooking and sharing her creations, especially since

accepted the

eager to show

just chuckled, "If you've got it, flaunt it. How else will people

her shoes and walking inside. She then curiously asked, "Dad, when did you get so close to Mr.

explained, "You see,

enjoy a good game of chess. It's easy to bond over

en

IMS

listen to him.

a topic beyond Madge's understanding, making it

she could at least listen to Norris's one-sided discussions, even if she couldn't contribute much. But once she left for college, Norris had no one to share his academic

mused, hearing praise for him

two get along so well, why not become academic