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

to showcase his culinary

about the hospitality (since she didn't

She loved cooking and sharing her creations, especially since one person

glanced at Roseanne, then accepted the invitation

Norris, "Look at you, so eager to show off. Afraid people won't know

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

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

explained, "You see, it's

and I both study physics and enjoy a good game of chess. It's easy to bond over common interests."

en

IMS

with her usual candor, interjected, "Don't listen to him. Your dad just wanted someone to discuss his papers

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

Roseanne started college, 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

hearing praise for him for the

get along so well, why not