Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

She pushed open the door and stepped out, hesitantly calling out-"Cousin?"

The man turned around, and his eyes lit up with surprise: "Anne?"

It was indeed Halley Cole, the only son of Maddox Cole and Raven.

He hadn't brought an umbrella, and his T-shirt was already soaked through, with droplets of water dripping from the tips of his hair.

Roseanne quickly pulled out some tissues and handed them over, saying, "Here, dry yourself off. Even though it's summer, walking around with wet hair can still give you a cold." "Thanks." He took them, wiping his hair while remarking, "You're still as thoughtful and caring as when you were a kid."

The bookstore was connected to the neighboring mall, so since they had bumped into each other and it was still raining outside, they decided they might as well grab lunch together.

Roseanne called Madge to let her know she wouldn't be coming home for lunch today. After a couple of questions, Madge didn't pry further and hung up.

brighter. They sat by the window, where the floor-to-ceiling glass

for their food, she turned to look

met Halley's. Roseanne was momentarily startled, then

were only three years apart, it was easy for them to play together. Throughout middle and

time Halley

times cookies or

her studies and relationships, and Halley with his

After graduating, Roseanne devoted

entire self to

business, taking care of his daily needs, while Halley, having quit his job, was busy launching a startup with friends, hardly

Occasionally thinking of reaching out, they would both hesitate, feeling it odd to suddenly call after such a long time without contact. Both harbored this thought, leading to a complete halt in communication. Some friendships just fade away

said, "Anne, you haven't changed a bit." She was still