Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The door was shut tight, not a whisper of sound coming from inside.

It suddenly dawned on Roseanne that she hadn't seen Owen for quite a while.

They used to leave their apartments around the same time, often bumping into each other. Recently, however, their paths hadn't crossed at all.

Perhaps Owen was just too swamped with work, practically living in his lab by now.

Roseanne didn't dwell on it too much.

That evening, after spending some time at the library, she returned home around 8 PM.

Just as she entered the building, a figure rushed by her-

It was Owen, out for a night run.

She quickly called out, "Professor-"

But the man, as if he hadn't heard her, kept running.

Roseanne was puzzled. Maybe she had spoken too softly, or perhaps he was wearing earbuds?

Changing into her jogging gear, Roseanne decided to head out for a run herself.

into Owen and ask him if

purchasing equipment, Owen and Ms. Payne

Payne had been under the weather recently, frequently visiting the

on her own, it would reveal that Edna Moore's team was monopolizing the lab equipment, something they

with the department clearly favoring Edna, Madeleine wouldn't

and for what? It would just be bad

contacting Owen seemed like the best

for some reason, after sending him two messages and making a call, Roseanne

was just too busy to check

chance she had to talk

arranged to meet Corley for lunch the

pondered why that

than Corley, who was unpredictable

clear,

usual route they both took for runs, Roseanne searched but found no sign

another lap with no luck and feeling quite worked

she left her door slightly

delicious porridge

waiting in vain and having cleaned up the kitchen, Roseanne decided to knock directly, "Mr., Reynolds, are you there?

No response came.

"Professor?"