Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Stoddard leaned in, his voice tinged with concern. "You seem off these days, Owen. What's going on?"

"You're wrong," Owen replied curtly before heading towards the break room.

He carried a bag filled with fresh clothes that needed stowing away in his locker. As he pushed open the door, the sight of the fold-out cot Roseanne had used caught his eye, still stationed in its usual spot. Memories of accidentally stumbling upon her during her nap, the rapid heartbeat and the breathlessness he experienced then, flooded back. It felt like something out of a dream...

Shaking his head to clear the invasive thoughts, Owen was washed over by a wave of annoyance and embarrassment. He felt utterly disgraced by his own reactions.

"Owen, I grabbed us some late-night snacks. You up for some?" Stoddard's voice cut through his reverie from outside.

"I'll pass. Go ahead without me."

"We've got buffalo wings and sliders, sure you don't want a bite?"

"No, I'm good."

"You know, speaking of buffalo wings, I still think Roseanne makes the best ones... Has she started school again? Haven't seen her around the lab in a while. Next time you see her, tell her to drop by more often. We all miss her around here." Stepping out of the break room, Owen managed a semblance of normalcy. "If you want to say something, say it yourself."

He tried not to think about her, but reminders of her were everywhere.

Stoddard paused, his chopsticks mid-air. "Come on... You guys are neighbors, for crying out loud. Is it really that hard to pass along a message?"

"It is."

really think something's

his

got

continued his work, undisturbed by

his tongue. "See, there you go

---

canvas of fiery oranges and reds, the day bidding its farewell. A gentle evening breeze carried the promise of the night, city lights beginning to twinkle to life. At The

just

waved her over to the table he'd secured. The timing was perfect; their table started filling

making you

on his lips. "You're not late. What are you apologizing

agreed on 6:30 PM. Roseanne being there at 6:20

long have you been

"Since six."

"That early?"

You pick your veggies, and they cook it your way, no set dishes. Best

order takes time."

to

of freshly sautéed veggies and hearty stews before her, Roseanne could appreciate the freshness and quality

was supposed to be the host,