Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

A tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen as Norris emerged in the evening, holding a steaming bowl. "Minestrone tried a new recipe. Tell me what you think?"

Roseanne's eyes swept over the dinner table, brimming with dishes like beef stew, green beans, barbecued fish, the minestrone, and meatballs in tomato sauce, all her favorites.

Madge carefully picked the most tender fish and placed it in her bowl. "Your dad might not be the best at cooking fish, but this one? I've tasted it. It's exactly how you like it. Here, have some more." Norris feigned offense. "What do you mean I'm not good with fish? I'm about people, not just fish!"

A snort of laughter escaped them.

"Right," Madge conceded with a playful roll of her eyes, "You're a true master in the kitchen, whether it's cooking, fishing, or just being yourself. Satisfied now?"

Norris was pleased. "That's more like it. I ran into old Mr. Johnson next door the other day. Even he asked for my recipes! You're lucky I cook every day. You should just be quietly grateful."

Madge pretended to be angry. "Fine, fine. I'm 'quietly grateful.' Why don't you eat before your mouth starts another argument now?"

"That sounded pretty half-hearted. You don't believe me? Ask Anne if my cooking isn't top-notch." With that, Norris gently placed another piece of fish into her plate. "Here, Anne. Try this and tell me how it tastes."

Listening to her parents' playful bickering brought a smile to Roseanne's face.

She took a bite of the fish, savoring the fresh sweetness that only needed ginger and scallions to remove the fishy taste, finished off with soy sauce for that perfect flavor, keeping the fish's natural taste intact. Norris was always the one doing the cooking, since Madge hardly ever stepped foot in the kitchen.

After school, Roseanne would wait in the office for him to finish work, then they'd ride home together, often passing through the local farmers' market where everyone knew Norris.

On the other hand, Madge never shopped for groceries, claiming she couldn't pick good produce and found the market too noisy.

Besides the fish, another specialty of Norris was scrambled eggs, learned solely because of Roseanne's childhood fondness for the dish.

It didn't stop her from critiquing Norris' cooking despite Madge's lack of culinary skills, which spurred him to refine his craft, eventually earning him the title of the family's master chef.

After moving away, Roseanne only had Murray for company, taking on the role of preparing meals and waiting for him to come home to dine.

It contrasted her childhood, where

meals were always ready, courtesy of her father, and all she did was eat and occasionally critique. When enjoying this treatment once again, Roseanne realized how much her parents cherished her.

Roseanne praised, "It's been a while, but I still think Dad makes the best fish, unbeatable by five-star chefs."

Proud and touched, Norris assured her, "Whenever you crave it, I'll cook for you."

Holding back tears, Roseanne responded with a warm smile.

After dinner, Madge prepared a fruit platter with the afternoon's fresh purchases. Not finding anyone in the living room, she stepped outside and saw the father-daughter duo sitting in the yard.

set

With the early nightfall, the yard's lights seemed dimmer, casting a cozy glow around the fire pit's crackling charcoal, adding warmth to the atmosphere. Roseanne sat comfortably, warmed by the fire, with occasional flickers of light dancing on her face.

Madge joined them, offering the fruit platter. "The strawberries from our garden are ripe, sweet, and fragrant. You used to love them as a child. Try some."

The strawberries glistened with water droplets on them, their sweet aroma wafting through the air.