Paula wiped away a stubborn tear before it could fall completely and, with a melancholic smile, finally answered the children's curious question.

"She was the size of my heart," she whispered, knowing that no matter how hard she tried to explain, no one there would truly understand what that meant.

Lucas stepped off the bus, the humid heat still clinging to his skin as he gazed at the sky—a vibrant blue contrasting with the deep green grass stretching out in front of the tall buildings. The asphalt reflected the heat of the sun, and the distant sound of traffic seemed far away, as if the world around him was moving in slow motion during this transition between work and the peace of home.

He walked through the cold metal gate of the complex, feeling the rough texture of the bar between his fingers as the metallic sound echoed when the gate clicked shut behind him. A gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the few trees surrounding the paved path, and he passed by large glass windows reflecting the sunlight, transforming the landscape into a mix of shadows and glimmers. The sound of his footsteps echoed on the sidewalk as Lucas followed the familiar route, taking a deep breath and thinking about Kika.

This was his break. Walking her was a moment of unwinding, where everything felt lighter. As he neared home, he reached the apartment window and called out:

"Paula!"

His voice echoed, and within seconds, his sister appeared. Lucas's eyes lit up as he saw her disappear briefly, only to reappear with Kika. The little dog, barely containing her excitement, was unleashed and, in a burst of energy, sprinted toward him. Her fur gleamed in the sunlight, and her large, pointed ears bounced as she ran, darting across the grass like an arrow, her light steps barely touching the ground.

Lucas laughed, kneeling to greet her. She leaped into his chest, licking his face as if every reunion was the highlight of her day. He stroked her head, feeling the soft, sun-warmed white fur between his fingers. The collar clicked as Lucas fastened it again, and they set off on their usual walk.

The grassy expanse stretched as far as the eye could see, a green island surrounded by tall buildings. The sun filtered through the trees, creating dancing patterns of light and shadow on the ground, while a gentle breeze blew, bringing a pleasant coolness. Kika, restless, darted ahead and circled back, sniffing the air and exploring every corner as if it were her first time. Lucas watched her with affection, savoring the sense of freedom that seemed endless.

As Lucas entered the building, the weight of the workday slowly dissolved. Each step echoed softly on the cool floor of the lobby, the outside noise muffled by the walls of the complex. The heat of the day began to fade, and the air was filled with a warm and comforting breeze. Kika trotted beside him with her quick little paws, the sound of her claws lightly scraping the floor.

Climbing the first few steps of the stairs, Lucas felt the cold metal of the railing under his fingers, a perfect contrast to the skin still warmed by the sun. He glanced down at Kika, who, with a determined look, began climbing the steps, her nose sniffing the air as if inspecting each new scent the path presented. Her pointed ears gently bobbed with each movement, and her tail wagged with a steady rhythm, a silent expression of satisfaction. Each jump was firm, almost graceful, and the way her small body moved showed the confidence of someone who had mastered this route.

Lucas held the leash in his hand, feeling the familiar, worn material, a texture that spoke of time and companionship between him and Kika. He watched her with a faint smile on his face, a smile that hid the relief of being home and the simple joy of seeing his canine companion so happy.

When they reached the last step, Kika paused for a moment, lifting her head to meet Lucas's gaze. Her dark eyes sparkled as they met his, as if waiting for a signal, a small confirmation that everything was right in the world. Lucas, without saying a word, simply watched her, feeling that fleeting moment of connection where time seemed to slow down.

As they walked down the hallway, Kika moved with firm, determined steps, the sound of her paws softly echoing against the walls. She knew every inch of that place. Her paws touched the ground in a rhythmic pattern, each step a domestic symphony, a reminder that, small as she was, her presence filled that space. The evening light streamed through the hallway windows, casting golden patches of brightness on the floor, and as Kika passed through these illuminated areas, her white fur seemed to glow for a brief moment, as if she were wrapped in a halo of light.

When they reached the apartment door, Lucas opened it slowly, hearing the soft creak of the hinges. Kika, without hesitation, jumped onto the chair next to the entrance, the place where she always waited to have her leash removed. Lucas watched as she settled in, her paws firm but her body relaxed, as if she were saying that her work was done for the day, and now it was time to rest. He knelt slowly, feeling the fabric of the leash under his fingers as he carefully unfastened it. As he unclipped the last buckle, Kika gave a small jump, quick as an arrow, and disappeared down the hallway toward Paula's room.

Lucas stood there for a moment, watching the path she had taken, and listened to the familiar sound of her paws on the floor in the bedroom—the sound he knew so well. She was heading to her favorite spot, the refuge where she felt safe and, unknowingly, dominated the entire space with her subtle presence. He rose slowly, letting the day's weariness slip from his shoulders as he closed the door behind him, at peace.

Throughout the afternoon, the house seemed to come to life with Paula's laughter echoing through the halls, filling the space with a lightness that contrasted with the usual calm. Kika, always alert and full of energy, raced across the wooden floor, her paws creating a rhythmic sound that almost seemed to match the beat of Paula's laughter. The sound of her quick movements crossed the apartment from one corner to another, while the late afternoon sun streamed through the windows, casting dancing shadows on the walls and gently warming the room.

The scent of dried flowers and polished wood filled the air, while the muffled sound of a TV show played in the background, almost inaudible amidst the excitement of their play. Kika chased after a cushion tossed on the floor, her slender nose diving into the fabric as her tail wagged frantically, anticipating Paula's next move. Kika’s small body, with her large, pointed ears, moved with an agility that made it seem like she was always one step ahead, evading any attempt to be caught.

Paula, breathless, laughed with the intensity of the game. Her face flushed from the effort reflected the pure joy of being there in that moment, carefree. Her hands, slightly sweaty, tried to grab Kika, but the little dog was too fast, dodging with a graceful leap, almost as if she floated for a moment before landing softly again. The warmth of the sun that poured into the room mingled with the heat of their play, and soon Paula’s body began to yield to fatigue.

When their energy finally ran out, the games ceased. The laughter gradually faded, becoming a soft echo as both collapsed onto the bed with a collective sigh, as if they had decided that this was the moment for a truce. The mattress sank slightly under Paula’s weight, while Kika, without hesitation, nestled into the girl’s arms, her small, warm body fitting perfectly into the folds of the blanket. The soft fabric of the blanket, with its fluffy and comforting texture, enveloped them both in a kind of cozy cocoon, creating a space where the outside world seemed to disappear.

Paula’s breathing, still quick, began to calm as she adjusted the blanket over them. The warm touch of Kika against her chest, the light weight and heat radiating from the little dog's body, brought an overwhelming sense of comfort. It was as if, in that moment, the world was just that room, the soft bed, the sound of the TV in the background, and Kika’s silent presence, now completely relaxed.

Kika’s eyes, which had sparkled with excitement during their play, were now half-closed in a state of total tranquility. Her ears, which had been alert and upright, now rested softly against her head, almost still, except for small twitches that showed she was still aware of any movement. The soft purring of her breathing was barely audible, but to Paula, it was a familiar and comforting sound, something she associated with safety and the constant companionship of her friend.

The sun began to sink toward the horizon, casting a soft golden light into the room. The shadows of the curtains swayed gently with the breeze that flowed in through the open window, bringing with it the fresh scent of grass and flowers from the garden outside. Paula, still holding Kika, felt the soft, warm fur of the dog under her hand, the silky texture slipping between her fingers as she stroked her slowly, almost absentmindedly.

The comforting touch of the blanket, combined with Kika’s warmth, enveloped Paula in a deep sense of peace. Even the sound of the TV, which she had stopped paying attention to, became a mere background noise, part of that moment of quiet relaxation. Her eyelids grew heavy, the fatigue from the excitement and laughter finally taking its toll. She felt her body relax completely, sinking into the softness of the bed, while Kika, ever present, remained by her side, a silent and loyal witness to that peaceful moment.

As Paula slowly drifted off to sleep, her last thought before sleep overtook her was how, in a world filled with uncertainties, Kika had always been there—constant, faithful, and always by her side. A true friend who needed no words, only presence. And that, she thought, was more than enough.