Many years ago when I was still living with my parents I was on a diet and had eggs boiling on the stove. I, too, walked away and we heard them burst later! Boy, was my Mom mad at me. I learned my lesson and didn't do that again. But.....many years later I left some hummingbird syrup on the stove I was making and then got interested in a movie on TV. The fire alarm went off and I went rushing into the kitchen to see fire coming out of the pan!!! I now use timers and take them with me when I leave the kitchen to make sure I know when things are done!