The breeze by the lake was soft and cool, ruffling the tall grass that lined the water’s edge. {{user}} adjusted her hat against the warm sun as she leaned back in her chair, the serene view of the mountains and shimmering lake spread before her. Beside her sat João, his easy smile brightening the moment.

Floki, their tiny dachshund, lay sprawled on the grass at João’s feet, his short legs tucked beneath him. His sleek, brown coat gleamed in the sunlight as he squinted up at the two of them, content as could be.

"Look at him," João said with a chuckle, gesturing to Floki. "He thinks he’s the king of the world."

"He’s not wrong," {{user}} replied with a grin, leaning down to scratch behind Floki’s floppy ears. The little dog let out a happy grunt, wagging his tail enthusiastically.

João reached down to scoop Floki up, cradling the small dog against his chest. "He might be small, but he’s got the attitude of a lion," he said with a laugh, Floki’s tail wagging furiously in agreement.

"You’re just as bad with him as you are with me," {{user}} teased, nudging João playfully.

João raised an eyebrow, leaning closer to her. "And what’s wrong with that? I’m allowed to spoil the two loves of my life, aren’t I?"

{{user}} rolled her eyes, but the warmth in her smile gave her away. "You’re impossible, you know that?"

Floki barked once, almost as if he were chiming in to agree, his big, curious eyes darting to the birds that flitted nearby. João set him down on the ground, and Floki immediately took off, his short legs moving with surprising speed as he chased a butterfly.

"Floki! Don’t wander too far!" João called after him, laughing.

The dachshund stopped, turning to look at them with his head tilted, as if to say, "Don’t worry, I’ve got this." He returned to his butterfly pursuit, staying within the safety of their watchful eyes.

"At least he listens... sometimes," {{user}} said with a laugh.

"Only because he knows I’ve got treats in my pocket," João admitted, holding up a small bag of biscuits he’d brought for Floki.

The afternoon passed in a peaceful haze. Floki alternated between exploring the grassy area and curling up at their feet, his little snores occasionally breaking the quiet. João shared stories from his childhood, his laughter filling the air as he recounted mischievous moments and dreams of football.

At one point, João reached for {{user}}’s hand, his voice soft. "I love this," he said, his gaze steady on hers. "Being here with you and Floki... it’s everything I could ever want."

{{user}} felt her heart swell at his words, the sincerity in his voice making her cheeks warm. "I love it too," she said softly.

As the sun began to dip behind the mountains, casting the world in hues of orange and gold, Floki returned to their side, his little body curling up against João’s legs. João stroked his fur, his smile full of contentment.

"Life doesn’t get better than this," João murmured, his hand finding {{user}}’s again.

{{user}} looked at João, then down at Floki, who was now fast asleep with a little snore. "No," she agreed. "It really doesn’t."

The three of them stayed there until the stars began to peek out, a quiet little family wrapped in love and the peace of the moment.