Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne had been fretting she'd miss Madge's birthday party. Thankfully, the day before the big bash, the books she'd ordered arrived right on schedule. Madge, clasping the books to her chest, couldn't hide her delight. "How on earth did you know I've been dying to get my hands on this series?" "You've been harping on about it for ages," Roseanne teased, raising an eyebrow. "It would've been hard not to notice."

Madge huffed, a playful scowl crossing her face. "Well, maybe if you came home more often... But thank you, darling. I absolutely adore this gift."

She smiled warmly, pulling Roseanne into a tender embrace. Her eyes, soft and loving, watched over Roseanne as her hands gently brushed through her hair.

"I remember you always had such long hair. What made you cut it short?"

Roseanne nuzzled closer, feigning offense. "Don't you like it?"

"It's lovely. My girl always looks beautiful," Madge declared with pride.

Roseanne chuckled softly, clinging tighter to her mother.

"Got through the written exam, huh? The interview's up next, right?" Madge mused. "Guess you'll be heading back to Lumina City soon."

Roseanne paused, then softly agreed.

Madge laughed softly, a knowing glint in her eye. "I knew Pinehollow couldn't keep you tied down. You've grown, my dear. It's time to spread your wings. Go on, chase your dreams."

A tremble ran through Roseanne's lashes as she whispered, "This time, I won't let you down."

In the kitchen, Norris wielded a spatula like a baton, glancing over at the mother-daughter duo. "What's this, top-secret chit-chat? Time to wash up and eat!" "Coming!"

The next day, Roseanne boarded the train back to Lumina City.

The apartment was chilly and dust-coated after weeks of silence.

After settling in, she checked on her

fish, a pair named Ruby and

Shadow, relieved to see them still, swimming happily. She fed them before turning her attention to the succulents on the balcony, thriving despite the neglect.

Flicking on the heating, she busied herself cleaning the apartment from top to bottom, swapping out old. linens for fresh ones, and dressing the couch in a cozy, pink, fluffy cover.

By the time she'd finished, it was nearing six o'clock.

Too lazy to go out shopping, she ordered groceries online and began to cook a leisurely dinner, bathed in the warm, yellow glow of the kitchen lights.

As evening deepened and

streetlights flickered on, Owen,

having spent the day in the lab, paused at the entrance of their

building, a sense of realization net

hitting him as he looked up to see lights on in the apartment that had been dark for weeks.

Quickening his pace, he made his way upstairs, his breath slightly hurried.

As he reached the landing, the door opposite swung open, flooding the hallway with light.

Roseanne, noticing Owen, smiled brightly. "Good evening, Mr. Reynolds."

Her smile seemed to cast a spell, making Owen smile back. "Good evening. When did you get back?" "Today."

Roseanne paused, curious about how he knew she'd been away.

Owen explained, "Leda mentioned you'd gone home. And congratulations on the high score on your exam."

"Thank you," Roseanne replied, her tone as easy and casual as ever. "I've just made dinner. Would you like to join me?"

He waved off the invitation, "I've already eaten, but thanks. Let's plan to celebrate after your interview, deal?"

"Deal," Roseanne agreed, her smile unwavering as they made plans for a future celebration.