Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The front row was filled with people around her parents' age.

"What's going on?"

Her boyfriend was equally confused, blurting out, "Why is it all older folks here?"

That comment touched a nerve-

"What's wrong with us older folks?! Got a problem?!"

Trying to clarify, her boyfriend stammered, "No, I mean... you're into fan culture at your age?"

"We're not chasing after pop stars, we're here for the literature! Got an issue with that?"

"Exactly!"

Her boyfriend was taken aback, exclaiming, "Madge's readership is this diverse?"

"Humph! We've been fans of Madge's novels for over a decade. Sure, we got married, had kids, and got swamped with work, barely active online, not into the whole ranking and streaming hustle like you youngsters, but we've always supported her by actually buying her books."

"Yeah, we've just been busy, not dead!"

girl thought, sweeping her gaze across

host took the stage, delivering a brief introduction before Madge

"Ms. Madge is stunning!"

my God!

thought the person scaring the pants off me with those

before, with a white chiffon scarf tied around her waist, Madge moved with a

and I'm thrilled to be here with you all

captivated the audience with her sincerity - a killer move that

venue erupted into thunderous

among the crowd, her heart swelling with

own smile mirroring" nov

moment everyone was eagerly

the crowd

trying to sidestep

shoved her from behind,

pair of hands reached out, steadying her by

the man in front of her. Owen coughed

memory of her waist - just as he remembered, his hands could easily encircle it. Owen picked up a book he'd dropped, dusting

here for your

her