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 suitcase, he

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

after a thief; I'm worried

are the rules.

this? We'll head towards the exit,

we heard someone shout about a thief, we already

Roseanne and Madge picked up Norris's dropped

...

Meanwhile, Norris checked his

young man. I really owe you one today; I couldn't

"No problem, sir."

"What's your name?"

"Corley Sullivan."

...

"Dad-"

and Madge nearly 20 minutes

Got my wallet and phone

over, asking, "You

his breath and replied, "All good, just a

towards the main