Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Isn't that running routine of yours a bit... excessive? To the uninitiated, it might seem like you're gearing up for a marathon or something..." Owen Reynolds just chuckled, a hint of sheepishness hidden within his laughter.

Roseanne pressed on, "Isn't the lab keeping you busy these days?"

"Well, I've delegated some tasks to Stoddard."

Meanwhile, Stoddard, still toiling away in the lab, sneezed repeatedly. "Achoo! Achoo! Look at you, so high and mighty!"

Owen asked, "Had breakfast yet?"

Roseanne nodded, "Yes, and you?"

"Same here. Got any plans for today?"

"Just a bunch of papers to dig into," she pondered.

"Got a package from a buddy in Montana last night, full of wild mushrooms. They're all yours now."

Wild mushrooms?

That was a real treat.

"Why are you giving them to me? Don't you want any?"

Owen laughed it off, "I barely cook as it is. Mushrooms go bad if you don't use them. Better you have them."

"Alright then, I won't hold back!"

They headed upstairs together.

spotted a

- morels, chanterelles,

was as if the whole of Montana's edible winter

vacuum-sealed in its own bag, still looking fresh despite

was over the moon: "Professor, these are hard to find in the market. Are you

she take them, "Go

over for a mushroom hot pot tonight!" she declared, grabbing the box and leaving no room for

afternoon, Owen arrived on

the kitchen, he found Roseanne had

you wait for me to help

free time this

"You're taking my job."

He feigned grievance.

payroll. Why the eagerness?" "Ever heard of 'bitten hand, shy away'? If I don't pitch in, I

I'm the one who's

hand, shine

away'. These mushroomet

your place,

Shy away ace orel

"So?"

"We're even."

Neither shy nor reserved.

was bubbling

base with a few dates, goji

and

timer, the countdown

Montanan hot pot, perfectly