I looked up, and there you were. Our eyes met. I smiled at you before looking away. When I glanced over again, you were still looking at me. I tried to ignore you, but every time I looked in your direction, you were looking back. Almost as if you were watching me.

I shook my head and finished what I had to do, glancing ever so often from the corner of my eye, seeing you, seeing me. At a point, your gaze began to make me feel uncomfortable. I tried to shift your focus from me by turning my head and ignoring you completely.

But you came walking over with a knowing look, almost sauntering, as if you knew something that I didn’t. My breath caught when we locked eyes again. I knew what you wanted, and I stared back. Breathing slowly, I stared without blinking, willing you to drop your gaze.

Step by step, you shortened the distance between us, stopping just a few feet away, never breaking eye contact, completely focused on me. I lifted my hand in a placating gesture, hoping to distract you, even if only for a moment. Your eyes flashed to my rising hand, but returned instantly to my face, waiting, wishing, hoping. I lowered my hand slowly, and I saw the anticipation light up your eyes. You never even looked in the direction of my other hand, and for that I was grateful.

I took a step back, and you took that as an invitation to move in even closer. My heart began to race, and despite my misgivings, I felt myself giving in to your unspoken demands as you closed the last few feet between us. As you reached me, my heart melted and I gave in to you, giving you everything you wanted and needed, giving you all that you deserve.

• Dedicated to SnackSize Dhagee, Puddles, and every other dog that has ever dominated a household