Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The trio stepped out of the restaurant into the crisp evening air.

"Man, you're like a celeb, Owen. Had everyone huddling around you like you're the lead singer of a band or something." "Celeb?"

"Yeah, you know, like a pop idol."

Owen chuckled, shaking his head. "It's all about the perks, isn't it? No idol business there."

Leda sniffed the air subtly. "Have you been drinking? You didn't drive, did you?"

"Just a bit. No, I didn't drive."

"Perfect, hop in. I'll drop you and Anne off."

Leda's car couldn't quite make it down the narrow lane, so Roseanne and Owen decided to walk the rest of the way.

Under a sky scattered with stars, a gentle breeze carried the occasional meow from a distant alley cat.

Owen stumbled over a discarded fast food wrapper, his balance off from the drinks.

"You okay?"

"Sorry, ended up having a couple more than I should have."

Trying not to let the smell of alcohol reach her, Owen consciously maintained a gap between them.

His apology sounded incredibly sincere, making Roseanne feel a bit dazed.

In the past, Murray often came home drunk, never once thinking it something worth an apology.

It dawned on her then, how different people could be.

She used to think all men were like Murray, Cliff, or York; swimming in a sea of bright lights and cocktails, living life in a blur of work and play.

Or like Norris, gentle and steady, the embodiment of an ordinary life.

But then there was Owen-

Surrounded by admirers, yet humble and reserved.

It was a revelation to her that excellence didn't equate to indulgence, and success didn't have to breed arrogance.

He had every reason to live unrestrained, yet chose to be more disciplined and meticulous than anyone.

"Do academics really need to network that much?" Roseanne queried, curiosity piqued.

"We live in a society built on connections, where favors and goodwill are the currency. But how do we exchange these? A drink often serves as the medium, though tea, books, art, poetry can all play their part."

"If you define navigating these relationships as 'networking,' then no profession is exempt. It's just a matter of degree." "Consider holidays, when even the youngest kids are dragged along on family visits. Isn't that a form of networking too?"

"But if you see it as simply

socializing, maybe it doesn't feel so much like an obligation. It could be over tea, fishing, hiking, camping... doesn't sound like networking, does it?

"Yet by the first definition, it still is."

This was a new perspective for Roseanne, sparking her curiosity further.

"So, does today's dinner and drinks count as networking for you?" Owen smiled slightly. "It's both and neither."

"How so?"

"Among those dined with today were former mentors, close friends, and a few acquaintances hoping for favors. Sharing a meal and drinks with mentors and friends doesn't feel like networking to me; but

drinking because I can't refuse those I'm not close with does."

"So-"

He paused, looking at her with a soft smile. "Let's just say it's half and half."

Roseanne couldn't help but smile back.

"You've got a knack for balancing the good with the bad, huh? An even split between joy and obligation."

"Yeah," Owen nodded, "I hope you can find that balance too."

Roseanne paused, a question on the tip of her tongue, but they had already reached her front door.

Their conversation flowed smoothly all the way home.

"Goodnight, Owen."

"See you tomorrow."

That night, as Roseanne lay in bed, she found herself dwelling on Owen's words and demeanor-strong, determined, and composed.Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Was it reaching such heights that gave him such strength of heart?