Jake and his 25-year-old wife Kat Braden had been planning their circus date for weeks. With work, chores, and their adorable (but very energetic) little brown fluffball Oliver taking up so much of their time, they finally carved out a night just for themselves. Kat gave Oliver a kiss on his furry head before they left. “Be good, bub. Mama and Daddy are going to the circus!” she said in a baby voice, ruffling his soft ears.

Jake laughed as he grabbed the car keys. “He’s definitely going to stare at the door the whole time we’re gone.”

“Or chew up one of your shoes,” Kat smirked, following him out.

The circus grounds were buzzing with lights, music, and the smell of buttery popcorn. Kat’s eyes lit up like a kid’s. “This is already the best night ever,” she said, squeezing Jake’s hand as they walked under the colorful archway entrance.

They grabbed snacks—cotton candy for Kat, caramel popcorn for Jake—and found their seats just in time for the opening act. Acrobats flew through the air like it was nothing, and Kat gasped every time someone did a flip or caught another mid-air. “I could never do that,” she whispered, leaning into Jake.

“You could if you were being chased by Oliver with a chewed sock,” he joked.

Kat laughed loudly and nudged him with her elbow. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

Midway through the show, clowns rolled out in tiny cars, juggling and dancing. Kat gave Jake a look. “If I ever catch you wearing suspenders and a red nose…”

“I’m already halfway there,” he said, pretending to pull on imaginary clown pants.

The night ended with a fire-dancing finale that had everyone cheering. As the lights dimmed and the crowd filed out, Kat and Jake walked hand-in-hand through the cool night air.

“That was perfect,” she said quietly.

“It was,” Jake agreed. “But I do miss our fluffy boy.”

Kat smiled. “Me too. Let’s get home before he redecorates the living room with fluff.”