Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Before heading out, Norris whipped up a quick bowl of noodles for himself. Now, not the least bit hungry, he casually pulled a book from his bag and began reading with relish. Twenty minutes later, an announcement for boarding echoed through the station.

Madge and Roseanne, traveling light, led the way and swiftly passed through the gates using their IDs, waiting on the other side for Norris.

Trailing them, Norris, one hand pulling his suitcase and the other carrying Madge's bag, was about to present his ID when he realized his wallet was missing!

He recalled someone bumping into him from behind while he was in line, nearly knocking him over. His wallet must have been stolen then.

"Dad, hurry up," Roseanne called from inside the gate.

Norris hesitated. "...My wallet's gone. My ID was in it."

Roseanne paused.

"Use your phone," she quickly suggested, "There's an app for a temporary ID."

After all, there wasn't much cash in his wallet, and the ID could be replaced.

Norris gave a wry smile: "... My phone's gone too."

Roseanne fell silent.

Suddenly, Norris spotted a figure in the crowd-the person who had bumped into him.

his suitcase,

for him, Roseanne and Madge tried to go back through the gate but were stopped by the staff. "Ladies, according to regulations, passengers can't return through the gates after passing. Please head towards the exit if you need to leave." Circling back to the main hall from the exit would take

thief; I'm

the rules. I can't

thought for a moment, "How about this? We'll head towards the exit, but can

worry, as soon as we heard someone shout about a thief, we already dispatched

Madge picked up Norris's dropped suitcase

...

Meanwhile, Norris checked his

Yes, these are mine. Thank you, young man. I really owe you one today; I couldn't have

"No problem, sir."

"What's your name?"

"Corley Sullivan."

...

"Dad-"

Roseanne and Madge nearly 20 minutes to circle around from the

wallet and phone

him over, asking, "You

his breath and replied, "All good, just a bit sweaty

family moved towards