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!"

her gaze across the venue, the fanbase indeed

introduction before

"Ms. Madge is stunning!"

my God! She's so

thought the person scaring the pants off me with those novels would be such a knockout! What

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

and I'm thrilled to be here with you

deep bow, Madge captivated the audience with her sincerity

venue erupted

heart swelling with pride as her mother shone brightly on

own smile mirroring" nov

came the moment everyone was eagerly awaiting -

the crowd

trying to sidestep the throng

her from behind, sending her lurching

as she was about to fall, a pair of hands

help but exclaim, surprised to see the

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

your mother's book

read her