Jake sat in the stiff, cold chair of the doctor’s office, legs swinging as he waited with his older sister Gaby. She was 18 now, a full-on college athlete at Kentucky, and today she was getting her sports physical—something she needed to be cleared for the new season. Jake, 15, had tagged along mostly because their parents were busy, but also because… well, he liked bugging her.

Gaby sat on the exam table in her athletic shorts and a hoodie, scrolling on her phone with one hand and sipping a protein shake with the other. “You better not say anything dumb when the doctor comes in,” she warned, side-eyeing her little brother.

“I’m literally just here for moral support,” Jake said dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “You’re the one getting poked and stretched and asked if your joints feel weird.”

Gaby smirked. “You’re annoying.”

The door creaked open and the doctor walked in. “Gabriella Rourke?” he said cheerfully, glancing at the clipboard. “Here for your annual pre-season physical?”

“That’s me,” Gaby said, hopping down. “I play goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team and also do flag football and volleyball.”

Jake added, “Basically, she does everything except relax.”

The doctor chuckled. “Sounds like a beast. Let’s get started—height, weight, reflexes, flexibility…”

As Gaby followed instructions—balancing on one foot, stretching her arms, doing squats—Jake kept making little jokes.

“Wow, your balance is like… 6 outta 10,” he said as she wobbled slightly.

“Shut. Up,” she said through gritted teeth, trying not to laugh.

By the end, the doctor nodded. “All clear. Gaby, you’re good to go for the season.”

As they walked out of the office, Jake nudged her. “Told you I was your lucky charm.”

Gaby rolled her eyes. “You’re the reason my blood pressure was slightly elevated.”

Jake grinned. “Admit it, you love having me around.”

She paused, then smiled. “Maybe a little.”