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!"

across the venue, the fanbase

the stage, delivering a brief introduction before

"Ms. Madge is stunning!"

God!

pants off me with those novels would be such a knockout! What a

with a white chiffon scarf tied around her waist, Madge moved with a grace that made the scarf

everyone, I'm Madge, and I'm thrilled to be here with

bow, Madge captivated the audience with her sincerity

venue erupted

crowd, her heart swelling with pride as her mother shone

own smile mirroring" nov

came the moment everyone was eagerly awaiting - the

the crowd

pushed along, trying to sidestep the

her from behind, sending her lurching

fall, a pair

to see the man in front of her. Owen

her waist - just as he remembered, his hands could easily encircle it.

for your mother's

her work