The sun was starting to dip below the horizon when {{user}} pulled up to the Kent farm, the golden light stretching long shadows across the fields. She stepped out of her car with a small tote bag slung over her shoulder—filled with snacks, a worn paperback, and the promise of a quiet evening.

Clark met her on the porch with a smile that reached all the way to his eyes.

“Hey,” he greeted. “Perfect timing.”

“For what?” she asked, stepping up beside him.

Before he could answer, the screen door creaked open—and a blur of golden fur shot toward her with the energy of a missile.

“Oh my God!” {{user}} laughed, startled but delighted as a large golden retriever skidded to a halt right in front of her, tail wagging like it was powered by electricity.

“This,” Clark said with a chuckle, “is Shelby.”

“Shelby?” she repeated, crouching down as the dog nosed excitedly at her hands. “You didn’t tell me you had a literal ball of sunshine living with you.”

“She usually reserves that level of enthusiasm for bacon.”

“Well, lucky for me,” {{user}} said, scratching behind Shelby’s ears, “I smell better than bacon.”

Clark leaned against the porch railing, arms crossed, watching the two interact with a soft expression. “She’s a good judge of character.”

“Oh yeah?” {{user}} grinned, glancing up at him. “So this is like… a test?”

“Something like that.”

Shelby licked {{user}}’s cheek with a dramatic slurp.

“She passed, I take it?” {{user}} laughed, wiping her face.

Clark nodded, mock-serious. “You’re officially Shelby-approved.”