Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne couldn't help but be taken aback.

First off, Owen was usually buried in his lab work at this hour, not seen anywhere else.

And there he was, playing chess with Norris, with an open planner full of notes between them. They looked like they were having the time of their lives, as if they'd been friends for years. "Anne, you're back?"

Hearing the noise, Norris immediately looked towards the door.

Owen's gaze quickly followed, locking eyes with Roseanne.

Their eyes met, and he chuckled, "Surprised to see me?"

"Mr. Reynolds, what are you doing here?" Roseanne, regaining her composure, changed into her slippers and walked in. Before Owen could answer, Norris chimed in-

"This morning, when I was out with your mom, we ran into little Shaun in the stairwell, so I invited him over..."

And what a visit it turned out to be.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Norris found that no matter the topic, Owen had something to say.

Even gardening, he knew his stuff!

Then, the conversation turned to physics, Owen's forte, and in no time at all, he had completely captivated Norris.

Norris exclaimed, "Geez, the young folks are taking over!"

Owen quickly waved off the compliment, "Oh no, you're the true master here."

He wasn't just being polite.

Norris's knowledge was vast, his thoughts clear and structured, surely a result of his solid undergraduate foundation. This didn't surprise Owen much.

What did astonish him was Norris's familiarity with the latest trends in the physics world. Moreover, he could even discuss the newest findings in various specialized areas.

This was beyond an undergraduate level of understanding.

Keeping up with academic papers regularly was the only way to achieve this.

Owen asked, "You make it a habit to read papers, right?"

"After preparing my lessons, I'll relax with one or two papers."

"... The technique you mentioned earlier, about collecting information on the proton's internal structure from neutrinos scattered off plastic targets, that's a recent

breakthrough. There aren't many papers on it yet, but it seems you're quite well-versed..."

"Oh, that!" Norris realized, "I analyzed that research topic when I was taking notes years ago. The main

challenge with using neutrinostet

study proton structure is observing the neutrinos scattered by a single proton..."

Owen was even more surprised.

Taking notes?

He must be talking about what Mr. Martin prided himself on-the planner full of notes.

It just so happened Owen brought it with him today.

And sure enough, there was Norris's section of notes.

Roseanne, overhearing, raised an eyebrow: "...So my dad's actually in there?"

"Of course, your dad's brilliant," Owen praised earnestly.

"Dad, how come you never mentioned this?"

Norris scoffed, "What's there to say? I didn't pursue a career in research. Besides, those notes are ancient history, who knew they'd still be around?"

Indeed, ancient history, yet strikingly relevant to today's hot research topics.

Owen's look towards Norris shifted, filled with newfound respect, and then it clicked-

No wonder she's so talented.

Like father, like daughter.

After Roseanne returned, Owen, sensing the moment, politely declined Madge's offer for dinner, choosing to leave the family to their evening.