Staring Contest

I heard once that an animal that respects you will look away, I like to test this theory on my cat almost daily. I fear that the years of living a privileged life have made her feel entitled and superior. This is something I can't let happen, even if other people might think it's true. Yes, I answer her every call, and let her do naughty things, and have a tendency to be too "tired" or "unaware" to punish her, but eye contact is something I will have the last stand on. Today I was cooking spaghetti for dinner and felt eyes watching me. I looked around and didn't see Ryan but still felt a presence. Eventually I spotted Binx sitting by the door staring at me. It was very ominous, and I felt...well, disturbed, especially with the piece of cat hair hanging from her mouth that made her look like she had a goatee. I decided this was a perfect moment to teach her about staring at people without them knowing. So I looked deep into her Egyptian green eyes as she stared back into mine. This continued for 10 seconds. Neither of us blinking. Neither of us turning away. It felt as if time was standing still, the little hand on the clock began to tick backwards, and a thin line of sweat began to bead on my upper lip. Would today be the day she finally asserted her dominance on my life? That she would take her little black paw and grab me by the back of my scalp and shove my face in her kitty litter saying, "Scoop It!" No! I scoop of my own FREE WILL! I will not give in! She must have felt my mind bolt because at that moment she looked down. I had been victorious another day.