Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Everything familiar was thick with irony.

Why? Why did he ever say those things?

Looking back, he felt like he was under some spell, acting on whim without realizing her pain and despair.

In just a year, Roseanne had moved on, embracing college life, while he was still stuck in this private room. Trapped and with no desire to leave.

Murray's grip on his glass tightened until his knuckles turned white, and then, unexpectedly, he chuckled. The resolve he had when breaking up was now equal in regret. Seeing this, Cliff sighed, unable to persuade him otherwise, he simply joined in.

"Here, Murray, I'll drink with you."

Soon enough, Murray was plastered.

Cliff drove him back to the mansion. Throughout the ride, Murray's eyes were shut tight, mumbling, "Anne...Anne...don't leave me..."

It was tough for Cliff to watch.

seen Murray and Roseanne's relationship from the start.

bed, Cliff hesitated to leave.

you back at the family home? Can

dark circles under her eyes and a scowl that could scare

who had been anxiously waiting, lit up at her arrival. "Ah, Sadie, thank goodness

at the sight of the

went a bit overboard. Can you take care of him?" Cliff said before making a hasty retreat. Sadie stopped him.

Cliff turned, puzzled. "Yeah?"

trash bin in

know, what

butts everywhere.

off-guard, mumbled an apology and promised to be more mindful

tucking him in before muttering her way to the kitchen to make some

him

IMS

his cheeks,