Our eyes locked right before she went for the stuffed duck. I watched her bite it with resolution, shake her head back and forth like a dog. Her eyes met mine again with a clear and concise message: "My duck."

The duck became her best friend. I hardly talked to her unless she was eating my food. Then I yelled. It probably wasn't the most mature thing to do.. but what the hell. I fell in love from afar. I fell in love with her maple brown eyes, with her glistening nose, with her adorable whimper. She didn't know it but I would take a shot for her any day.

A family came in one day and, much to my dismay, she left with them. I'd seen it coming all along but it didn't hit me 'til it happened. Now her duck sits rejected in the corner, and I am here with my food. Alone.

Now I am on a mission. I will sail across the seas. To find her.