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."

gotta try those in-store to know if they're

stick to my usual

you want to grab some snacks, maybe check out the fresh produce at the supermarket?! You gotta leave the house for that!" Leda's frustration was palpable

was silent for a

you been less busy with work lately, feeling a

Leda. Roseanne always could read

puzzled by her friend's

like Kevin, David, and

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

start..." Leda seemed

it seemed to cause her physical

gotten her phone's lock screen password and decided to browse

swore he could

him, decided to go for another spa treatment at the Gibson Mansion a place where indulgences like emperor-grade jade bracelets and anti-aging treatments were the norms, thanks to York's