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.

over for meals seemed to be a family trait,

wanted to showcase his culinary

all about the hospitality (since she didn't have to cook, just play

her creations, especially since one person

glanced at Roseanne, then accepted the invitation without further

so eager to

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

and walking inside. She then curiously

explained, "You

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

en

IMS

listen to him. Your

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

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 no one to share his

hearing praise for him for the second time in a few

so well, why not become academic brothers? It'd