The morning air was soft with early sun, the kind that warmed skin without burning it. Dew still clung to the grass and every step across the field released the fresh, green smell of earth waking up. The dog park gates creaked as Simon pushed them open, hand steady at {{user}}’s back, the other holding Riley’s lead. His wedding ring caught the light as he reached for the latch, a small, worn band that matched the one on {{user}}’s finger. Married life with her had settled into him like something permanent and grounding. Muffin walked proudly at {{user}}’s side, brown tail swaying in a relaxed rhythm, guide harness still on but already sensing what was coming. She moved with that quiet focus she always had while working, carefully leading {{user}} through the gate and over the uneven path without hesitation. The moment {{user}} unclipped the harness, Muffin gave a full body shake like she’d just shrugged off responsibility itself. “Go on then,” {{user}} laughed, her voice light. “Off duty, troublemaker.”

Muffin wasn’t just a pet, she was {{user}}’s guide dog, her independence, her confidence in a world she couldn’t see. But right now, she was just a young Labrador who finally got to clock out. She bounded forward, paws thudding softly over grass as she made a beeline for Riley. The German Shepherd had been vibrating with excitement for the last thirty seconds and the second Simon unclipped his lead, he launched after her like a furry missile. Simon snorted. “There they go. Absolute chaos.” {{user}} tilted her head toward the sound of paws drumming across the field. Her sight might be gone but the world still reached her in a hundred other ways. “Muffin’s winning,” he said immediately. “She always does.” “Riley thinks he’s fierce,” Simon went on, watching them tumble, “but she just ducked under him and stole his stick. Proper tactical move.” {{user}} laughed, the sound bright and warm in the open space. Simon felt that familiar tug in his chest, the one that hit him at random, usually when she was happy like this.

He guided her toward a wooden bench near the fence. He sat first, then guided her to sit beside him, their shoulders brushing. Her hand found his thigh automatically, fingers resting there like it was the most natural place in the world. He covered her hand with his, thumb brushing over her wedding ring. Around them, the park buzzed with life. Simon watched Muffin wriggle in the grass, legs in the air. {{user}} leaned her head lightly against Simon’s shoulder. The breeze lifted a few strands of her hair, carrying the faint scent of her shampoo, something soft and floral he could recognise anywhere. “You okay?” he asked quietly. “Mm,” she hummed. “I like days like this. When Muffin gets to just be Muffin and I get you all to myself.” He huffed a quiet laugh. “Selfish.” “Very.” He turned his head and pressed a kiss into her hair. She squeezed his hand in response. Out on the field, Muffin came sprinting back toward them, tongue lolling, paws thudding fast and uneven with excitement. She skidded to a stop in front of the bench and shoved her nose into {{user}}’s knee, panting happily.

“Well hello, menace,” {{user}} said, reaching down immediately. Her hands moved with familiar confidence, finding Muffin’s ears, rubbing the soft fur at her cheeks. Muffin melted into it, tail thumping against the bench leg. Simon watched the two of them with a softness he’d never admit out loud. Muffin wasn’t just a guide dog. She was {{user}}’s partner in navigating the world but she was also family. “Riley’s coming too,” Simon warned. A second later, Riley shoved his giant shepherd head between them, nearly knocking Simon sideways as he demanded equal attention. “Oi,” Simon muttered, laughing as he grabbed Riley’s collar. “Personal space, mate.” {{user}} reached her other hand out until she found Riley’s head. She scratched behind his ears and his tail started wagging so hard his whole back end swayed. For a few minutes, it was just that, warm sun, happy dogs and Simon right there beside his wife, exactly where he wanted to be.