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."

"Owen, I really think something's

busy at his

think you've got a broken

his work, undisturbed

"See,

---

canvas of fiery oranges and reds, the day bidding its farewell. A gentle evening breeze carried the promise of the night, city lights

just arrived

The timing was perfect; their table started filling with dishes

for making

smile playing on his lips. "You're not late.

being there at 6:20 PM was actually ahead of

long have

"Since six."

"That early?"

its seasonal menu. You pick your veggies, and they cook it your way, no set

order takes time."

to

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

to be the host, and