Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne felt a bit sheepish, realizing her guarded demeanor wasn't as concealed as she had hoped. Nonetheless, she wasn't truly embarrassed. After all, being cautious during a first meeting is perfectly reasonable.

The elderly couple, with their wealth of experience, would surely understand this better than most.

Indeed, Geneva patted her hand reassuringly. "My dear, especially for a lovely girl like you, being cautious is wise. It's always better to be safe than sorry."

"Uh-huh."

"You mentioned my voice sounded familiar... I grew up in Pinehollow and only moved to Lumina City after graduating from high school. We probably never crossed paths before." "That's true." Geneva smiled.

Yet, for some reason, Roseanne perceived a hint of sadness and disappointment in that smile.

Neely, eager to lighten the mood, chimed in with a smile, "Well, we hadn't met before, but now that we have, let's consider it fate."

Roseanne nodded, smiling in return.

Soon, Corley returned with water, handing a bottle to each of the elders.

He then handed the remaining bottles, still in the bag, to Roseanne.

"These are for your mom and dad. Your mom's book signing is today, right? Your dad must be around too?"

"Yes, he is." Roseanne nodded, hesitating about whether to accept the water.

"Here, take it." Corley insisted, pressing the bag into her hands.

"...Thank you."

Corley looked curious. "What were you all chatting about? Seemed like a happy conversation."

From a distance, he had seen the joy on his grandparents' faces, a rare sight. Even his usually stern grandmother had a gentle smile. Seeing this, Corley paused, a sudden realization hitting him.

When was the last time he saw the elders this happy?

Last year, when he visited them

abroad, his grandmother was in the

hospital, and his grandfather was

overwhelmed with worry.

Throughout his stay, he never saw a smile on his grandfather's face.

Corley had tried persuading them to move back to their home country, considering the Rodriguez family's roots and businesses were there Plus, the climate back home was

ie suitable for their age, unlike

living abroad like drifters without a home.

Despite his efforts, they had

remained adamant, driven by a clue that Aberdeen Rodriguez might have been taken to Europe. For that faint hope, they had traveled across

hope for nearly a decade.

If not for Geneva's declining health, which made it impossible to continue their search, they might never have considered returning.

Corley had always felt helpless seeing them like this, unable to even bring a moment of happiness to their lives.

Yet, Roseanne managed to make them smile.

"Thank you for taking care of my grandparents."

Roseanne waved it off. "It's nothing. The book signing is almost over, and since you're back, I'll head up."

Before leaving, she bid farewell to the elderly couple.

Only after she entered the elevator did Neely and Geneva realize there was an author hosting a book signing on the third floor. Curious, Corley mentioned the latest hit mystery novel, "Seven Days," sparking their interest.

Geneva, reminded of Aberdeen's childhood dream of becoming a renowned author, was momentarily lost in memories of her daughter's aspirations and laughter...

She briefly entertained the thought of meeting the author upstairs, wondering if their eyes sparkled with passion just like Aberdeen's did when talking about stories. However, as soon as she voiced this idea, Neely dissuaded her, mindful of her health after a long day out.

Remembering her physical limitations, Geneva sighed, reluctantly abandoning the idea.