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!"

sweeping her gaze across the venue, the fanbase

delivering a brief introduction before Madge was welcomed

"Ms. Madge is stunning!"

my God! She's so

me with those novels would be such a knockout! What

black dress she'd bought the day before, with a white chiffon scarf tied around her waist, Madge moved

thrilled to be here with you all

deep bow, Madge captivated the audience with her sincerity - a killer

venue erupted into

her heart swelling with pride

own smile mirroring" nov

session came the moment everyone was eagerly awaiting - the book

crowd surged

was pushed along, trying

shoved her from behind,

pair of hands

couldn't help but exclaim, surprised to see the

his hands could easily encircle it. Owen picked up a book he'd dropped, dusting off the cover to

your

read her