Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne felt a bit sheepish, realizing her guarded demeanor wasn't as concealed as she had hoped. Nonetheless, she wasn't truly embarrassed. After all, being cautious during a first meeting is perfectly reasonable.

The elderly couple, with their wealth of experience, would surely understand this better than most.

Indeed, Geneva patted her hand reassuringly. "My dear, especially for a lovely girl like you, being cautious is wise. It's always better to be safe than sorry."

"Uh-huh."

"You mentioned my voice sounded familiar... I grew up in Pinehollow and only moved to Lumina City after graduating from high school. We probably never crossed paths before." "That's true." Geneva smiled.

Yet, for some reason, Roseanne perceived a hint of sadness and disappointment in that smile.

Neely, eager to lighten the mood, chimed in with a smile, "Well, we hadn't met before, but now that we have, let's consider it fate."

Roseanne nodded, smiling in return.

Soon, Corley returned with water, handing a bottle to each of the elders.

He then handed the remaining bottles, still in the bag, to Roseanne.

"These are for your mom and dad. Your mom's book signing is today, right? Your dad must be around too?"

nodded, hesitating about whether

Corley insisted, pressing the bag into her

"...Thank you."

curious. "What were you all chatting about? Seemed like a happy

he had seen the joy on his grandparents' faces, a rare sight. Even his usually stern grandmother had a gentle smile. Seeing this, Corley paused, a sudden realization hitting

was the last time he saw the

year, when he visited

grandmother was in

his

overwhelmed with worry.

saw a smile on his

the Rodriguez family's roots and businesses

for their

abroad like drifters without

efforts, they

by a clue that Aberdeen Rodriguez might have been taken to Europe. For that

for nearly

it impossible to continue their search,