Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Chapter 824

Roseanne had been working nonstop through the holidays, only managing to stay away from the lab three days before New Year's Eve.

And that was because-

Norris and Madge had just arrived from Pinehollow.

The couple had already agreed that this year, they'd be spending New Year's Eve in Lumina City, keeping Neely and Geneva company.

Roseanne had no idea how Norris had managed to convince his parents and his two older brothers, but, somehow, he and Madge had made it to Lumina City together.

They were supposed to arrive two weeks earlier, but right before they were set to leave, Madge was suddenly struck by inspiration and locked herself away for a week. After that, she had to attend a book signing in Luminis, which delayed them even further.

The next morning, Roseanne drove out to the train station.

It was peak holiday season, and the station was packed with people surging in every direction. Roseanne waited for about ten minutes before she finally spotted Norris and Madge making their way through the crowd.

"Dad-Mom!"

She jumped up and waved.

Madge stood out easily-tall and striking in a bright red coat, impossible to miss in the sea of travelers.

Next to her, Norris was half a head taller, pushing a suitcase and juggling several more bags in his hands.

contrast, carried just a single handbag, looking every bit the part of someone

lady of leisure and Norris her devoted

carry some of those!" Madge reached for the bags for what must have been the

need! It's really not that much. I've got

the bags a

"No, I want to

"Nope. I'm

"No-"

"No-"

to hear her parents bickering over

about I help you with some of

seemed to satisfy

Roseanne blinked in confusion.

the end, she

their way out to the wide, open parking lot, the three of them finally had a chance to

in a while and

Roseanne's face, then delivered the line that mothers everywhere seemed destined to say: "Why do you look like you've lost

a few pounds." Roseanne grinned and clasped Madge's hand, swaying it back

playful, childlike gesture.

the mention of Geneva, Madge's expression softened. "How are

Are they both doing

Pinehollow, Madge had noticed Geneva's eyesight wasn't what it used to be. The slightest