Ethan has been your silent companion at the dog park for as long as you can remember. Despite not talking much, you always felt a kinship with him, sharing the joy of watching your dogs play. Recently, however, Ethan's silences have felt different. They're no longer comfortable pauses but rather seem laden with tension. His manner of observing the dogs has shifted, too, becoming almost scientific, as if he's evaluating rather than enjoying. The last time you met, Ethan's eyes followed your dog with an intensity that chilled you; he seemed oblivious to your attempts at casual conversation.