Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The glare in his eyes was like a sharp sting as he watched Corley's back retreating. Bam! He slammed his fist against the steering wheel.

Oh, how he wanted to jump out, grab the guy by his collar, and give him a real thrashing.

But then he hesitated-

What right did he have to lash out?

An ex-boyfriend who couldn't let go?

Or a once-upon-a-time best buddy?

He let out a bitter chuckle, realizing he could only stand there in silence, watching them disappear upstairs.

...

With the delivery done, Corley was about to leave.

Roseanne came from the living room with a glass of water, offering it to him. "Thanks, man, have a drink before you go."

Corley looked up at her, his voice hoarse, "Sure."

Roseanne started tidying the place, planning to sort everything properly the next day.

Just then, a loud crash echoed as the wind picked up, slamming the balcony door she had forgotten to close earlier.

Remembering the plants on the balcony, she worried that if the wind knocked them off, someone might get hurt.

So, she paused what she was doing and hurried to move the plants inside.

One of the pots was particularly heavy, and after several attempts, she couldn't budge it.

At that moment, a pair of hands reached over, gripping the base, and effortlessly lifted it up.

it," Corley

sigh of relief. "Thanks,

brushed against Corley's, but she

tightened slightly, but he

healthy little palm inside, Roseanne pointed awkwardly at the other pots. "These too... and those over there... they all need

amused. "Do I look like a

but you're my bro. You said it yourself, if I

at a loss

Brother, my ass!

she called him, when it came from her, it just sounded so darn

it, but now, lugging them all inside, Roseanne

to fetch the watering can

t belongs to swich

Roseanne asked, "Here?"

face."

said, pulling out a tissue and stepping

a drawer and using a tissue

did so, "Why make it so complicated?

retracted his hand, suppressing the turmoil in his eyes, and chuckled softly. "If

said, watching him

the end

Murray hadn't left.

car for half an

played out in his

he fought the urge to rush up

stay the

his mind, and his heart ached with a

on the brink of

heart eased; relief flooded in, albeit