Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

This summer felt like it was cranking the heat up to eleven.

From Monday to Friday, I had my sweet escape in air-conditioned classrooms, labs, and the library.

Weekends? Just as awesome. My home's AC and chilled watermelon slices were the stuff of dreams.

Lounging in my cool haven, munching on watermelon while skimming through papers, it felt like a small slice of peace in a hectic world.

Leda dropped a message: "Hey, it's Saturday, no classes. Sure you don't want to hit the town?"

Roseanne sighed and said, "Leda, please, give me a break. With this heat... I can't even think about stepping outside."

"Not even for a little shopping, maybe to grab some cute outfits?!"

"I can just shop online."

those in-store to know

stick to my usual brands, no need to

the supermarket?! You gotta leave the house for that!" Leda's frustration was palpable through the screen. Roseanne whispered back, almost guiltily, "Actually... home delivery

was silent for

you been less busy with work

Leda. Roseanne always could read

puzzled by her

your contacts like Kevin, David, and all those other friends...

of dragging her out in this scorching summer heat. She hated the sun even more than Roseanne did. So when Leda brought it up

start..." Leda

it seemed to cause

and decided to browse some not-so-savory websites,

swore he could fix

him, decided to go for another spa treatment at the Gibson Mansion a place where indulgences like emperor-grade jade bracelets and