Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Arkle had yet to dive deep into the research project and had no idea what made this particular piece of equipment stand out. However, seeing the look of awe on Carlson's face made him take a few extra glances. "...Dude, is it expensive?"

Carlson nodded, "Yeah, super expensive."

"How much are we talking?"

"Around a million or so."

"Whoa!"

It wasn't just the price tag that was shocking.

It was the fact that Roseanne and her crew could just decide to make such a pricey purchase.

Three people, a million bucks...

Arkle thought of his own parents, hardworking farmers, who, in their best year, could barely save up a few thousand dollars.

And here they were, talking about a piece of equipment worth millions...

Arkle was stunned.

Just then, Mamie's voice echoed down the hallway, signaling their return!

Carlson and Arkle slipped out the back door.

Before leaving, Carlson couldn't help but look back. In the sunlight, Roseanne, Mamie, and Scales were walking in, laughing and chatting. Roseanne was holding a bottle of Voss water, pricey stuff.

Mamie had her arms full of snacks, mostly with packaging in English - imported and definitely not cheap.

Scales was sipping on a sports drink in packaging Carlson had never seen before, let alone tasted. "Dude, what's on your mind?"

bottom of the stairs,

a

reflective, "Yeah, the new

Carlson just smiled.

wasn't just talking

to challenge, to argue, and the financial means

It was really something.

back in

have

"And

...

arrival of

the old lady was shaking with

could she spend

big happens, and nobody bothers

isn't

not deadContent ones, I'm old, and my

belongs to en.kikistori

quickly interrupted, "Dead? Don't even say

me, instead of getting so worked up

It wasn't just

know. We

a.nee

ones the academy used

nodded in agreement, "The money was well spent! Totally worth

also added, "The new equipment really is

a

say? You have an answer

the