Beth had just sat down with her cup of lukewarm coffee when the intercom buzzed overhead.

Nurse Beth, please report to Room 214.

She sighed, set the cup aside, and grabbed the nearest chart from the desk without checking the name. The ward was unusually crowded that afternoon, a lot of minor accidents, mostly people doing things the internet told them not to do. So she assumed this was another “I thought I could fix the roof myself” situation.

She knocked once and pushed open the door.

Hi, I’m Nurse Beth. I see you have some minor….

She froze.

The patient on the bed grinned sheepishly.

Hey, Beth.

Nate? she blurted. What…what are you doing here? What happened?! Are you okay?

Nate, Lena’s brother sat up, wincing slightly. One arm was bruised, and his forehead had a small scrape. I’m fine, calm down, he said, holding up his hands. Just fell off my motorcycle. The road was slippery.

Beth pressed a hand to her chest. You scared me.

He laughed. Yeah, I scared myself too.

She stepped closer and checked his vitals, her voice slipping back into professional mode. You’re lucky. Nothing broken, just bruises and one stubborn sprain.

I told them I didn’t need the wheelchair, he grumbled.

And I’m telling you that you definitely needed the wheelchair,  Beth shot back.

They both laughed, the energy easing into something familiar. Nate was like an older brother to her, loud, chaotic, and constantly in trouble.

As she finished checking the bandages, there was sudden commotion outside the room.

The door burst open.

Lena rushed in first. NATE, YOU ALMOST DIED!

Lena, Nate groaned. I slid on a puddle. Not an explosion.

Trisha followed behind her mother with a dramatic gasp. Uncle Nate, why are you like this?

Beth stifled a laugh. He’s fine. I promise.

Before Nate could defend himself again, another voice called from the doorway.

Hey man, I got your stuff…. Oh.

Daniel stepped inside, holding a bag of Nate’s clothes. His eyes widened the moment he saw Beth.

Beth? he breathed.

She blinked. Daniel. Hi.

The room went quiet for a beat.

Then Lena let out a tiny gasp and slapped a hand over her mouth.

Trisha elbowed her mother.

Nate silently mouthed, Ohhh with the biggest grin.

Daniel stepped forward awkwardly. Uh… I didn’t know you worked here.

And I didn’t know you were coming.… here, Beth replied, equally awkward.

Nate clapped his hands dramatically. Oh! So you two have met?

Lena beamed. They have. We set them up for the blind date, remember?

Lena, Beth hissed, cheeks reddening.

Daniel scratched the back of his neck. Yeah. We met.

Awkward. Soft. Kind of cute.

Lena and Trisha exchanged giggles. 

Beth cleared her throat and shifted her focus back to the chart. So, um… Nate should be discharged by tomorrow morning. He’s stable. Just needs to rest.

That’s code for don’t ride that stupid bike for a week, Trisha said.

Exactly, Beth added.

Daniel stood beside Nate, hands in his pockets, sneaking glances at Beth. She tried not to stare back, and failed.

After a few minutes of family teasing, Lena tugged Beth aside. Give him your number, she whispered.

Beth nearly choked. Lena!

Come on. He’s cute. And he showed up with snacks for my brother. That means he’s wife material.

That’s not…… that’s not how that works!

But when Beth turned around, Daniel was already stepping toward her, clearing his throat softly.

Hey, he said. I… I realized we didn’t exchange numbers that night.

Beth nodded, feeling suddenly shy. Yeah. I didn’t even notice until I got home.

Daniel held out his phone, smiling nervously. So… can I have your number now?

Her heart fluttered.

Yeah, she said. Sure.

Their fingers brushed as she typed in her number, sending a warm little spark through her chest. Daniel grinned wide, genuine, relieved.

Great, he murmured. I’ll text you.

Nate watched them like a proud uncle. Aww. Don't forget to tell people, I brought you two  together.

Shut up, both Beth and Daniel said at the same time.

Lena squealed. Trisha covered her face.

Beth walked out of the room moments later, chart in hand, cheeks aching from smiling. Behind her, she heard Nate tease Daniel and Daniel groaning in embarrassment.