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.

the thief!" Dropping his

through the gates

thief; I'm worried about him. Can't you

the rules.

towards the

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

and Madge picked up Norris's dropped suitcase

...

Meanwhile, Norris checked his

man. I really owe you

"No problem, sir."

"What's your name?"

"Corley Sullivan."

...

"Dad-"

20 minutes to circle around from the

Got my wallet

over, asking, "You

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

family moved towards