Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Roseanne led the way, with Owen trailing a step behind. She seemed to have become her usual self, contrasting the previous night's unease. Owen pulled up the car, and Roseanne slid into the passenger seat. They were driving when they passed a local flower store.

Suddenly, Roseanne opened her mouth. "Could we stop for a moment, just two minutes? I want to pick up some flowers."

"Flowers?"

Roseanne nodded. "Yeah, for Ms. Payne."

Owen gripped the steering wheel, puzzled. "Is that necessary?"

Roseanne was stunned, then chuckled. "Do you always show up empty-handed when you visit someone?"Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Owen nodded earnestly.

Roseanne gave him a thumbs-up, amused, thinking, "So this is how the big shots do it, huh?"

But still, the man pulled over.

...

Madeleine lived on Maple Avenue, not far from Kingswell University. The neighborhood had cozy bungalows, a blend of traditional and modern designs, each standing alone, simple, yet full of character. After they passed through a grove of maple trees, the house came into view.

It had been six years. Roseanne tightened her grip on the seatbelt, eyeing the flowers at her feet, suddenly feeling nervous.

Owen sensed her hesitation. "Aren't you coming out?"

Roseanne bit her lip. "I think I'll wait a moment."

The man glanced at her, then nodded. "I'll go ahead."

Roseanne appreciated his silence. After taking a few deep breaths, she unfastened her seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

Spring was in full bloom. When Roseanne entered the yard, a gentle fragrance of flowers greeted her. The flowers by the fence, probably neglected due to the owner's illness, looked wilted. Even before stepping inside, Roseanne could hear Madeleine's voice, causing her heart to flutter. She hurried after Owen.

Owen greeted, "Ms. Payne."

Madeleine set down the latest issue of a biology journal magazine and adjusted her reading glasses. "Eh? Owen? What brings you here?"

Owen stepped forward to assist her. "Just checking on you. How have you been feeling?"

"Just a minor ailment. There's no need for everyone to fuss over me like this." She patted his hand. "You're too kind. I'm perfectly fine!" Owen paused. "I brought someone else with me today."

"Who?" Madeleine looked puzzled.

Following his gaze, Roseanne appeared in the doorway, head bowed like a child who had done something wrong.

Madeleine's eyes flickered, taking a few steps forward before the initial shock and a hint of joy turned into complexity and deliberate coldness. "What are you doing here?" Madeleine asked sternly.

"Ms. Payne..." Roseanne was at a loss.

Madeleine's voice was firm, devoid of emotion. "Who said she would chase love at all costs? And now you're back?"

Roseanne's lips tightened, tears starting to form. "Ms. Payne, I'm sorry I let you down."

"What else?" Madeleine rarely showed such severity.

Roseanne stammered, "And... I was wrong." After a pause, she added softly, "Is it too late?"

"Finally..." Madeleine sighed, her expression softening. "Do you know how long I've waited for you? Six years, a whole six years."

Tears welled up in Roseanne's eyes. "I... I didn't know." Had Madeleine been waiting for her all this time?

"It's good that you've realized your mistake." Madeleine heaved a sigh of relief. But behind this realization was unknown hardship and grievances, visible on Madeleine's face as a look of sympathy.