Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

As they strolled down the tree-lined path of the university's North Campus, Owen casually mentioned, "Every fifty yards or so, there's a signpost pointing towards the library. It's a straightforward route. This whole area is like a big ring. To the left, you've got the Stevenson Hall, and to the right, the library..."

Norris nodded along, trying his best to visualize the path in his mind, while his wife, Madge, listened intently.

Unexpectedly, during their conversation, they bumped into Roseanne, who was just coming upstairs.

"Mom, Dad? Are you heading out? Looks like it's going to rain soon..."

And to her surprise, Owen was with them.

"Mr. Reynolds? What brings you here?" she asked.

Madge offered a brief explanation.

After hearing what he said, Roseanne quickly thanked Owen. He just waved it off, saying, "No worries, glad to help."This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

As they headed back, Norris seized the moment to extend an invitation, "Owen, you've got to come over for dinner sometime. I'll cook. Let you taste some of my special recipes!"

Madge nodded in agreement, clearly supportive of the idea.

Inviting people over for meals seemed to be a family trait, but each had their own reasons:

Norris wanted to showcase his culinary skills.

Madge was all about the hospitality (since she didn't have to cook, just play the gracious host).

And Roseanne? She loved cooking and sharing her creations, especially since one person couldn't possibly eat all she made.

Owen glanced at Roseanne, then accepted the invitation without further ado.

Back home, Madge teased Norris, "Look at you, so eager to show off. Afraid people won't know about your cooking skills?"

Norris just chuckled, "If you've got it, flaunt it. How else will people know?"

"Show-off!" Roseanne teased, slipping off her shoes and walking inside. She then curiously asked, "Dad, when did you get so close to Mr. Reynolds?"

Norris explained, "You see, it's all

about spending time together. Owen and I both study physics and enjoy a good game of chess. It's easy to bond over common interests."

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Madge, with her usual candor, interjected, "Don't listen to him. Your dad just wanted someone to discuss his papers with."

Norris's expertise in physics was a topic beyond Madge's understanding, making it a solitary interest for him.

Before Roseanne started college, she could at least listen to Norris's one-sided discussions, even if she couldn't contribute much. But once she left for college, Norris had no one to share his academic interests with, until he met Owen.

"Owen's really something," Roseanne mused, hearing praise for him for the second time in a few days.

Madge suggested half-jokingly, "You two get along so well, why not become academic brothers? It'd make future collaborations easier."

Norris stroked his chin, pondering the feasibility of Madge's suggestion.

Two days later, Norris suddenly brought up the dinner invitation again, "...Anne, did you invite Owen?"

"Uh?" Roseanne was confused, "...Wasn't that just being polite?"

"When I extend an invitation, I mean it," he said sternly, then turned to Madge with a smile, "Right, honey?" Roseanne was taken aback by her dad's quick change of demeanor.

Norris continued, "Honey, it's your

noble duty to make sure Owen gets the invitation. Call or text, whatever

works. We'll handle the ver

And with that, Norris and Madge set off to prepare for the dinner, leaving Roseanne to ponder the unexpected seriousness of the invitation.