As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the sky, you and Lauren laced up your running shoes in the driveway. The evening breeze was cool and perfect—just the right kind of weather for a jog.

Lauren stretched her arms above her head and gave you a look. “You better not slow me down this time.”

You smirked, tightening your hoodie. “You’re the one who stopped at every dog you saw last time.”

“That’s called having a heart, thank you very much,” she said, flicking your arm before taking off ahead of you.

You jogged behind her at first, laughing as she looked back dramatically. “Keep up, grandpa!”

The sidewalks were quiet, just the rhythmic sound of your feet against the pavement and the occasional distant car passing by. Lauren ran with her hair in a ponytail, bouncing slightly with each stride, and she kept glancing over to make sure you were still beside her.

A few minutes in, she slowed down just enough to run beside you.

“This is kinda nice,” she said, her breathing steady. “Like… peaceful.”

You nodded, matching her pace. “Yeah. Just us, the streetlights, and your squeaky shoes.”

“HEY,” she said, laughing and bumping your shoulder. “These are limited edition!”

You both ran past a quiet park, where the swings swayed lightly in the wind, and Lauren pointed toward it. “Let’s stop there after we finish the loop. Sit on the swings like little kids.”