Unwelcome Curiosity

Nate hadn't expected her to show up at his door.

It was barely noon, and he was halfway through a new sketch when the sharp knock echoed through the house. He froze, hoping whoever it was would just leave. But the knocking came again, louder this time.

With a resigned sigh, he put down his pencil and opened the door. There she stood, holding a small basket with a checkered cloth draped over it.

"Hi! Thought I'd introduce myself properly," she said brightly. Her smile could've powered the entire town's streetlights. "I'm Lia. Amelia Morgan. Your new neighbor."

Nate crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe. "I figured."

Lia's smile didn't falter, though she tilted her head. "And you are...?"

"Nate," he replied shortly.

"Just Nate?"

"Just Nate."

Her grin widened. "Alright, Just Nate. I brought muffins. Made them this morning. Figured it's neighborly to share." She held the basket out to him, and for a moment, he simply stared at it.

"I'm good," he said finally, making no move to take it.

"Wow, tough crowd," she muttered, pulling the basket back. "You're not allergic to being nice, are you?"

That earned her a ghost of a smirk, though he quickly wiped it away. "Not allergic. Just... selective."

"Fair enough." Lia shifted her weight from one foot to the other, undeterred by his aloofness. "So, is everyone in Cedarwood this friendly, or are you just the welcome committee?"

Nate glanced over her shoulder at her house. Movers were still unloading boxes, the chaos a stark contrast to his calm little world.

"Cedarwood's friendly enough," he said after a moment. "Just don't expect people to throw you a parade."

"Noted." Lia let out a mock sigh of relief. "And here I thought I'd need to bake my way into everyone's hearts."

"You might want to start with Mrs. Hargrove two houses down," Nate offered. "She loves muffins. She'll talk your ear off about her cat, though."

"Thanks for the tip," Lia said, her smile turning softer. She gestured to his house. "So... you an artist or something? I saw the easel through the window."

Nate stiffened, his expression cooling. "Something like that."

"Interesting." Lia didn't press, but the curiosity in her eyes was unmistakable. "Well, I won't keep you. Just wanted to say hi."

She turned to leave, but then paused, looking back over her shoulder. "By the way, if you ever need sugar or, you know, a personality adjustment, feel free to knock."

This time, Nate let out a genuine chuckle—low and brief, but unmistakable.

"I'll keep that in mind," he said, watching as she walked back to her chaotic new home.

As he closed the door, Nate leaned against it and let out a long breath. Lia was... unexpected. She was bright and nosy and everything he usually avoided. But there was something about her—something he couldn't quite name yet.

For now, he pushed the thought aside and returned to his sketch.