The Blue House on Maple Street

River adjusted the stethoscope around her neck as she walked up the tree-lined street in Maple City. The afternoon sun filtered through maple leaves, casting dancing shadows on the sidewalk. She checked her phone for the address again—her friend from medical school had invited her over to meet her family.

"River!" Elsie waved from the front porch of a cozy blue house. "I'm so glad you could come!"

River smiled and hurried up the walkway. Elsie looked just the same as she had in college—bright eyes and an infectious grin that made everyone around her feel welcome.

"Come on in! I want you to meet my brother Jake," Elsie said, leading her inside. "He just got back from his engineering program."

The living room was warm and inviting, filled with family photos and the smell of fresh cookies. River heard footsteps on the stairs and looked up to see someone with kind brown eyes and sandy hair coming down.

The Hummingbird's Dance

"Jake!" Elsie called up the stairs. "Come meet River!"

Jake stepped into the living room, and River felt her heart skip. His smile was gentle, and when their eyes met, something magical happened.

"Nice to meet you, River. Elsie talks about you all the time," Jake said, extending his hand.

River shook it, feeling warmth spread through her fingers. "She never mentioned having such a handsome brother."

Elsie giggled. "Come on, let me show you around the house!"

They toured the kitchen where Jake's engineering blueprints covered the table, then climbed to the cozy attic filled with childhood photos. In the backyard, a hummingbird darted between the apple trees.

"I built that bird feeder," Jake pointed proudly.

River watched the tiny creature hover near the red feeder. "It's beautiful. You're really talented."

Jake's cheeks turned pink. "Maybe I could build you one sometime?"

"I'd love that," River said softly.

As they headed back inside, River caught Jake stealing glances at her. She felt butterflies dancing in her stomach, wondering if this ordinary house visit might become something extraordinary.