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

to showcase his

about the hospitality (since she didn't have to

Roseanne? She loved cooking and sharing her creations, especially since

glanced at Roseanne, then accepted the invitation without

you, so eager to show off. Afraid people won't know about your

you've got it, flaunt it. How else will

inside. She then curiously asked,

"You

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

en

IMS

interjected, "Don't listen to him. Your dad just wanted someone

topic beyond Madge's

at least listen to Norris's one-sided discussions, even if she couldn't contribute much. But once she left for college,

hearing praise for him for the second time in a

why not become academic