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Slowly, the little white dame began to stir, warmth from the summer air gently coaxing her from her dreams. In her sleepy haze, she decided that nap had been the best idea she’d had in a long time. With a soft, satisfied hum, she stretched out her limbs, one by one, savoring the pull of muscles waking beneath her pale fur.

Blinking the sleep from her eyes, Kirain peered toward the den’s entrance. The sun wasn’t as bright as it had been that morning, hidden now behind drifting clouds, but it didn’t matter. It was still a beautiful day.

Rising to her feet, she gave her pelt a brisk shake, dislodging bits of moss and stray leaves that had caught in her fur while she slept. With her head held high and tail swaying gently, she stepped from the den, the soft breeze meeting her with a comforting embrace.

As the warm air ruffled her fur, a thought sparked in her mind. A swim would make this day even better.

Eager, she set off toward Fourthdale, the promise of cool, clear water quickening her step. It didn’t take long before the crystalline stream came into view, sunlight glittering across its rippling surface like scattered gems. Her tail began to wag, excitement bubbling in her chest.

She approached the water’s edge carefully, dipping a paw to test its temperature. Cool and crisp, just as she had hoped. A grin spread across her face before she plunged forward, submerging herself fully in the stream’s refreshing embrace.

Bobbing back to the surface, she released a soft sigh of contentment, letting the gentle current carry away the last remnants of sleep. Slowly, she began to paddle, drifting in lazy circles as the world around her settled into a peaceful hush, the day stretching before her, simple and perfect.