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.

Dropping his suitcase, he

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

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

those are the rules. I can't

about this? We'll head towards the exit, but can

soon as we heard someone shout

up Norris's dropped suitcase and headed for

...

Meanwhile, Norris checked his

are mine. Thank you, young man. I really

"No problem, sir."

"What's your name?"

"Corley Sullivan."

...

"Dad-"

nearly 20 minutes to

my wallet and phone back!

looked him over,

his breath and replied, "All good, just a

family moved towards