Nick pulled on a light jacket, waved to his parents and steped outside with the leash in his hand. Millie was already bouncing at the door, her tail wagging so fast it looked like she might take off.

 She was pure energy and sunshine — this little cocker spaniel with golden fur that catched the last light of the evening, long floppy ears that bounced as she ran and round eyes full of love. Her pink tongue peeked out now and then whenever she got too excited.

 The air felt fresh, with that smell of blooming trees and warm earth. The sky was sliding into soft shades of peach and pink and a light breeze tugged at Nick’s hair as they walked toward the little park a few blocks away.

 By the time Nick unhooked the leash Millie was already spinning in circles, ready to run.

 "Ready, star?” Nick asked, tossing an orange ball into the air. She dashed after it, barking with joy. Her paws thudded against the grass, ears flaping wildly. Nick laughed and ran too, sometimes pretending he could beat her to the ball, turning it into a game of chase.

 The whole park felt like it was glowing with their energy: golden sunlight in the trees, faint voices of kids playing, the smell of hot waffels drifting from a corner café.

 “You’re a champ today, Millie!” Nick called out, catching his breath as she leapt and snagged the ball midair. She bounded back proudly, dancing around him with the ball still in her mouth.

 When they were tired Nick droped down on the grass. Millie flopped beside him, panting happily, her head resting on his knee. He stroked her warm fur, breathing in the evening air and the easy joy of the moment.

 As the sky darkened, streetlights flicked on one by one. A lone bird called from a tree nearby. Everything felt calm, like the whole world was slowing down to listen.

 Later, Nick and Millie strolled home, both pleasantly worn out. She stayed close to his leg, glancing up at him now and then with wide, trusting eyes.

 The path was lined with maples, their leaves rustling in the breeze, golden patches of light scattered along the ground from the lamps above. Nick hummed a tune under his breath, his steps light. Millie sniffed every bush and stone, sometimes skipping forward but always circling back to him.

 “You little explorer,” he said softly, giving her back a gentle pat. 

Their street was quiet, windows glowing with other families’ evenings. When they turned the corner, their own house came into view — the porch light warm and his mom standing at the door with a mug of tea.

She raised a hand and smiled, the kind of smile that filled Nick’s chest with comfort.

He winked back, picking up the pace as Millie tugged eagerly ahead.

 Inside, the door creaked shut behind them. Nick set the leash aside and steped into the living room.

 “Hey, champ,” his mom greeted, putting her cup down.

 “How was the walk?” his dad asked.

“Great. Millie was a rocket tonight,” Nick laughed, leaning down to hug them both.

 Their arms wrapped around him — warm, steady, the kind of hugs that stayed with you.

“Goodnight,” he murmurer.

 “Goodnight, love,” they answered together.