Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

During that time, Madge was on the brink of depression. Thankfully, with the company of her husband and daughter, she gradually defeated the gloom. But since then, she swore off the internet, even using a flip phone meant for seniors.

A decade passed, and all she had to her name was a single coming-of-age novel set in high school. Beyond that, Madge hadn't penned anything new.

"Ah, let's not dwell on that. How's the doughnut?" Madge shifted the subject.

"Delicious, just like the old days," Roseanne replied, studying Madge's face, hesitating to speak her mind but ultimately holding back. "Just that the milk is a bit too hot."

"Is it? Let's let it cool down a bit then."

...

As Christmas Eve approached, the calm life in their small town gained a festive edge. Christmas decorations hung on either side of the main street, and the trees had colorful lights.

With the local grocery store packed to the brim and running low on supplies, Madge drove to the supermarket in the city center.

After parking, the mother-daughter duo took the elevator to the ground floor.

Before even entering, they saw two splendid Christmas trees on either side of the entrance. Inside was a bustling scene of people shopping for Christmas goods, the air filled with festive cheer.

Though they had no young children in their home, the Christmas celebration wasn't complete without visiting families and friends, especially the Cole family, catching up with former students who'd come, and the occasional neighbor dropping by. So, stocking up on snacks and fruits was a must.

Madge picked some candies and potato chip cookies as she passed the snack aisle. She grabbed various bottles and jars when she realized they were running low on kitchen essentials.

Reaching the seafood section and spotting the shrimp, Madge turned to ask Roseanne if she wanted to take some home. But the person who had been following her around was nowhere in sight.

Raising an eyebrow, Madge pushed the cart back a few aisles and found Roseanne loading bars of ice-cold chocolate into the cart.

The chocolate was slightly bitter, but eating it at home, warmed by the heater, feeling the chill spread from head to toe was a unique wintertime experience.

She had intended to sneakily grab several bars, not expecting to be caught so soon.

Blinking innocently, she looked at Madge with a pleading gaze. "Can I keep two?"

Feigning strictness, Madge replied, "What do you think?"

Eventually, Madge didn't put them all back, leaving one in the cart for her.

Roseanne asked, "Mom, do you have to be so strict? One isn't enough, and what about you and dad?"

Madge shook her head. "Your dad and I won't eat them."

"But I will!"

Madge shot her a look. "Dream on. One, and that's final."

Roseanne got it. "Fine."

"Hey, Madge?" Suddenly, a voice came behind them.

Both turned around.

A woman in her forties, all dressed up in a

back white suit with her hair pulled

a bun held together with a

walked over.

Her look

ve as a mix of business and

vel.net

artistic flair, though her overly arched eyebrows gave her a somewhat stern appearance.

"Nadine, what a coincidence," Madge greeted with a smile.

"Indeed," Nadine replied, her gaze settling on Roseanne. "Is this your daughter?" Madge nodded.

"She's grown so much! She was still in high school the last time I saw her, right?"

"That's right."

Nadine glanced at Roseanne's face. "She's such a beautiful young woman, just like you."

Madge's smile grew more genuine. No mother could resist the charm of someone praising their daughter.

"By the way, about that genre shift

we discussed this morning, have et

you given it any more thought? Nadine inquired.

Roseanne then realized the woman before them was her mother's editor.