Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



As Madge passed by the quaint little shop, she abruptly stopped and announced, "You know, I'm really in the mood for some lemon bars."

Roseanne glanced around, noting the shop's aged appearance and outdated decor. No flashy signs or promotions in sight; you had to get up close to even see the list of sweets they offered.

And there they were - lemon bars!

How did mom know they sold lemon bars just by standing outside the shop? Especially since they were the shop's specialty.

Madge shrugged, "I don't know. Just had a feeling they'd have them, and that they'd be delicious."

Norris chimed in, "Haven't you realized by now your mom has a nose for these things? She can sniff out good food a mile away."

"I guess..." Roseanne didn't dwell on it, impressed by her mom's intuition.

Corley, who had just walked up, said, "Funny, I'm here for lemon bars too."

"For yourself?"

He shook his head, "No, for my grandma."

"Grandma? Is she here too?" Roseanne scanned the area but saw no sign of her.

"She got tired, decided to rest at the coffee shop. We should introduce our folks to each other later. Last time at the bookstore, grandma wanted to check out the book signing upstairs but couldn't make it and had to head home."

"Sure," Roseanne replied with a smile.

Since they were both buying lemon bars, Roseanne, who was first in line, bought two portions, handing one to Corley.

He asked, "How much? I'll transfer the money to you."

"Don't worry about it. It's my treat for grandma. You gave me a bottle of water last time, and I didn't pay you for it, right?" Corley laughed in agreement.

"Let's go," Roseanne said, looking back at him as he stood there with a goofy smile.

Entering the coffee shop, they immediately spotted the elderly couple enjoying their tea by the window.

Roseanne greeted them eagerly.

The grandmother was surprised and delighted to see her, her tired face instantly lighting up with a smile.

"...Grandma, Roseanne got you some lemon bars too."

Geneva said, "I thought you were going to queue? Why did you let this young lady buy them?"

Before Corley could explain, Roseanne did, "I was in line first, so I just got them together."

"Oh, I see... What a kind girl, thank you..."

et

The grandmother reached out for Roseanne's hand, holding it gently, then asked softly, "You're such a kind-hearted girl, you must be very beautiful too. My eyes aren't what they used to be, I can't see well... May I touch your face?"

Roseanne, touched by her request, smiled, "Of course! Go ahead."

She couldn't bear to refuse the elderly woman's gentle demeanor.

As she guided the grandmother's hand to her cheek, Norris's voice suddenly echoed from upstairs -

"Anne!"

He and Madge had wandered up the second floor and saw their daughter and Corley entering,

heading straight for the vel.ne

couple.

Norris and Madge couldn't see the couple's faces from their angle.

His call made Roseanne pause, and Corley, Neely, and Geneva

ively looked towards the source of the voice. Content belongs

to

Norris waved at them with a smile, then noticed Madge heading downstairs.

"Hey, wait up, honey! Why the rush?"

"I want my lemon bar, hurry up."

"Coming, coming..."

Roseanne explained, "That was my dad."

She continued to introduce her parents to the elderly couple with a smile.

"My mom you probably missed, but they're on their way here. I'll introduce you properly in a bit."

"Sounds good."