“I think I just met the happiest person in the world.” Jace muttered into his hands as the exhaustion crept in. A full day entertaining the peppy daughter of his dad’s boss would do that to you.

She was called Cally, she must’ve been a year or two younger than Jace but the happiness she radiated gave her a child-like innocence.

They had arrived last night with the promise of a promotion if his dad could close some important business deal. He wasn’t sure on the specifics, he and his dad never spoke about much these days, least of all the ins and outs of a job. Still, Jace was expected to keep Cally occupied as neither of them were part of the business deal.

When he went down for breakfast the next morning, Cally was sitting at the table already, smiling up at him expectantly. He had to resist the urge to scowl at her. Didn’t she know it was too early for that kind of energy? Anyway, he grumbled that he’d be ready in ten minutes and she piped up “okay!” And beamed even more. This would be a LONG day.

Setting out into the sunshine, Jace asked “well, what do you want to do then?” Cally turned to him, still grinning, and replied “show me your favourite place here!” He looked at her for a moment before nodding “okay then.” And he motioned for her to get into his car so they could set off. Driving down the motorway, he thought he’d go crazy if she didn’t shut up. She alternated between singing along to the radio and telling him random stories, laughing about something funny that had happened last week. He tried to smile and force a laugh in the right places just to keep her happy, although, she seemed capable of no other emotion so that should be easy. After what seemed like an age he pulled up to the edge of the lake. He wasn’t sure why he brought her here, it was his favourite place but he hadn’t brought anyone here. Ever.

Anyway, he got out of the car and stood, as if waiting for something to happen, by the edge of the lake. The effect on Cally was immediate. She got out of the car, a look of pure delight reached every corner of her face, he was sure he heard her gasp as she took in the full view. Her eyes drank in everything hungrily. The lake, the trees surrounding it, the lily pads floating nearby, the mountains in the distance and the crystal blue sky in which no clouds could be seen. “I love it!” She almost whispered, and at that he couldn’t help a small smile. “Me too.” He replied, still watching her. And then all of a sudden the spell was broke. She jumped into action, grabbing his arm before he had time to argue and she started dragging him towards the lake. “What are you doing?” He spluttered at her, a sense of shock at her sudden advance on him was radiating through his body. “We’re going swimming! Take off your clothes.” “WHAT? I am not taking off my clothes, I’m not going swimming!” And at those words he was proven wrong, happiness was not her only emotion. She turned with the saddest expression he’d ever seen. “But I might not get the chance again, please?” And somehow he found himself agreeing “fine”, anything to put the smile back on her face. It reappeared instantly and he was almost sure the sadness had been fake but now he was trapped, he’d already agreed.

He reluctantly pulled off his jeans and T-shirt and waded in after her, the water was absolutely freezing but she was laughing like it was the best thing in the world. This girl was gonna kill him, he thought.

Anyway, that’s how Jace ended up meeting the happiest person in the world. And as the sun set over the horizon he couldn’t help feeling that maybe he was a little happier himself as he watched her splashing like crazy in the icy lake as the last rays of the sun danced on her skin.