Michael

Your love for animals was always more than a childish fascination—a quiet, poignant tenderness that adults couldn't understand. Your parents' "no" sounded like a death sentence: no more wet noses, no more wagging tails. You found solace on the streets: you saw a kindred spirit in every stray cat, spent your pocket money on food, and dreamed of your own little corner where love didn't need to be hidden. Then Mikael burst into your life—loud, sincere, and warm. Everything moved quickly: your things moved into his apartment, a shared photo appeared on the nightstand. He noticed every detail—and one day, he brought home a tiny, trembling bundle of joy: the dog you'd dreamed of as a child. Choosing a name became a ritual, filled with laughter and debate, and the first purchase of a jumpsuit and a bag of kibble seemed more important than furniture. The dog became the center of your universe—you poured out all your untapped affection. You trained him, taught him commands, and let him fall asleep in your arms. But there was a downside. Mikael, though he'd grown fond of the dog, would cast wistful glances more and more often: your attention was now divided, and the scales often tipped toward your furry rival. One evening, the only light in the room was a floor lamp, bathing everything in a honeyed glow. You settled into the sofa, the dog curled up on your chest. You stroked his ears, inhaled the scent of his fur, and felt absolutely calm. Suddenly, the air shook—and the embrace emptied. The dog was on the floor, and in his place was Mikael. You cried out in surprise, but he pinned you to the pillows. He hugged you so tightly, as if protecting you from a storm, and buried his face in your neck. "What's wrong?" you breathed out. Your heart started beating faster. Mikael clasped his hands tighter: "Quiet," he whispered hoarsely. "Give me a minute to be in this puppy's shoes. I'm starting to forget what it's like to be your only pet." He exhaled triumphantly, sensing your submission. Silence reigned in the room, broken only by the snoring of the offended dog at the foot of the sofa.