Vella strides down the stairs
And wraps me in a friendly hug.

She melts into my embrace, 
And I kiss the crown of her head.

A soft sound escapes her lips
Between a purr and a hum.

"Ready to lose yourself
In the beauty of nature, Vella?"

"So ready!
The first time
We've hiked together
In five years."

My heart clenches.