Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

In Lumina City, at the Boundless Lab.

Roseanne stood in front of the lab bench, adjusting the data for the third time.

Scales and Mamie exchanged a look. Something was off.

"Roseanne, did you get enough sleep last night? You seem a bit off today," Scales asked with concern. Roseanne sighed, "For some reason, I've been feeling jittery all day, like there's a storm brewing inside me."

"Both eyes twitching?" Mamie asked, eyebrows raised.

"Yep, both of them."

"...

After taking a nap at noon, hoping to shake off the odd feeling, Roseanne found herself still battling the sensation that something bad was looming over the horizon.

Finally, as evening approached and their work wrapped up, she stretched and let out a long sigh of relief. "Phew-done at last."

Mamie checked her own progress, "I'm nearly there myself. Caley, you good?"

"All set here."

"Great! Let's not work late tonight. How about we grab dinner? My treat."

Roseanne waved the offer away, "You guys go ahead. I'm beat. Just want to crash at home."

Mamie didn't push, "Alright, Roseanne, get some rest then."

"Will do."

On her taxi ride home, Roseanne nearly dozed off when her phone suddenly rang, startling her awake. "Hello, Dad."

"Anne, your mom's had an accident. Come home quick!"

"What? Mom's hurt? How did it happen?!"

"Today, Nadine showed up at our place..."

Madge was trying to catch her laptop and hit her head on the table corner, blood everywhere.

Luckily, Norris got her to the hospital in time.

But she still needed stitches and was diagnosed with a mild concussion. They wanted her to stay for observation.

"And Nadine?"

Norris grimaced, "...got away."

Roseanne clenched her fists.

That night, she caught the last flight and finally arrived at Pinehollow at 3 AM.

Early the next morning, Roseanne arrived at the hospital with

homemade oatmeal and net hours. ne

chicken soup that had simmered for three

"Anne?!"

Both Norris and Madge were shocked.

Madge exclaimed, "When did you get back?"

Norris added, "Why didn't you tell us? I could have picked you up!"

Madge instantly knew Norris had called

cker, "Look at you, calling Ant

back for this. She's got exams and her lab work. You..."

"It's okay, Mom. I'm here now. No use scolding Dad; you can't just pack me off back to school." Madge was speechless.

Norris scratched his head, chuckling, "Well, she's got a point."

"Mom, look what I brought you..."

Opening the thermos, the comforting scent of oatmeal mixed with the savory smell of chicken filled the

room.

Roseanne brought plenty, enough for both Madge and Norris.

Seeing them enjoy the meal she brought made her heart swell with satisfaction.

After cleaning up, she sat by the bed, eager to understand the full story.

Leaving the hospital, Roseanne glanced back at the "Hospital Wing" sign and her eyes hardened. She pulled out her phone and dialed a number.