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

showcase his

hospitality (since she didn't have to cook,

Roseanne? She loved cooking and sharing her creations, especially since one person couldn't possibly eat all

at Roseanne, then accepted the invitation without further

eager to show off. Afraid people won't know about

got it, flaunt it.

then

explained, "You

I both study physics and enjoy a good game of chess. It's easy to

en

IMS

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

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

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

mused, hearing praise for him for the second time

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