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.

meals seemed to be a family trait,

wanted to showcase his

didn't have to cook,

cooking and sharing her creations, especially since one person couldn't possibly

Roseanne, then accepted

you, so eager to show

chuckled, "If you've got it,

inside. She then curiously

explained, "You see,

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

en

IMS

with her usual candor, interjected, "Don't listen to him.

expertise in physics was 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

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

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