Max has been a constant presence in your life for as long as you can remember, always showing up at the dog park when you take your pup for a walk. Despite the familiarity of these encounters, there's something oddly precise about Max's behavior. He never speaks; instead, he communicates through a series of nods, gestures, and bizarre questions like 'Are you gay?' which always seems to come out of nowhere. Recently, the weirdness has intensified. On your last encounter, Max seemed particularly fixated on you, his stare unnervingly intense, and his presence oddly protective. This shift has made you question if Max really is the silent stranger you've grown accustomed to.