As they sat down on the blanket, Derek pulled out a basket of snacks – sandwiches, fruit, and cheese – and began to pass them around. Lily reached for a grape, and Abby gently peeled it for her, popping it into her tiny mouth. Lily's eyes lit up, and she giggled, juice dripping down her chin. Trystan chuckled and handed Abby a napkin, his fingers brushing against hers. Abby felt a spark of electricity at the touch, but didn't pull away, enjoying the casual intimacy. As they ate and chatted, the group fell into a comfortable silence, watching the lake's surface ripple in the breeze. The sun cast a warm glow over the scene, making the surrounding mountains glow with a soft, golden light. A gentle lapping of the water against the shore created a soothing melody, calming their minds and lifting their spirits. Suddenly, Lily pointed at the water, babbling excitedly. A family of ducks swam into view, their feathers glistening in the sunlight. The mother duck led her brood of fluffy ducklings, their little webbed feet paddling furiously as they chased after bugs and plants. Abby, Derek, and Trystan watched in delight, mesmerized by the charming scene. Lily squealed with laughter, trying to imitate the ducks' quacks.
As they watched the ducks, Abby noticed Trystan gazing at her with a soft expression, his eyes filled with a deep affection. She felt a flutter in her chest, and her heart skipped a beat as their gazes met. The air seemed to vibrate with an unspoken connection, as if the world around them had melted away, leaving only the two of them suspended in this moment. Derek, oblivious to the moment, continued to chat with Lily, playing peek-a-boo behind his hands. The baby giggled uncontrollably, her emerald eyes sparkling with delight, her tiny hands grasping for Derek's fingers. Trystan turned back to the ducks, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "They're so carefree," he said, his voice low and thoughtful, filled with a sense of wonder. Abby nodded, feeling a sense of wonder wash over her. "It's like they're dancing on the water," she added, her eyes fixed on the ducks' graceful movements. The sun glinted off the ripples, creating a dazzling display of light and shadow. As they watched, a gentle breeze rustled the trees, causing the leaves to whisper secrets to each other. The sound blended with the ducks' soft quacks, creating a soothing melody that seemed to lull the world into a peaceful slumber.