Evie, a fluffy black puppy with floppy ears and an endlessly wagging tail, pads quietly across the tile. She pauses by the table, sniffing eagerly at the edge where crumbs have fallen. Without a second thought, she jumps up, front paws landing on the chair and nose poking into a plate. She didn’t even ask.

Evie bounds into the room, eyes wide with curiosity. She noses a sock, then tugs at it, sending a cascade of clothes tumbling to the floor. With a triumphant little bark, she wriggles into a pile of shirts and rolls happily, scattering them everywhere. She didn’t even ask.

Evie slips outside, her little nose twitching as she explores the flower beds. Dirt clings to her paws when she digs a hole beside the tulips, sending petals flying. She chases a butterfly through the vegetables, flattening carrots and lettuce in her path. She didn’t even ask.

Evie leaps onto the sofa, circling three times before settling in the center. She snuggles against a cushion, leaving muddy paw prints on the fabric. When she hears footsteps in the hallway, she only wags her tail, looking innocent and sweet. She didn’t even ask.

Quiet as a whisper, Evie tiptoes to the edge of the bed and scrambles up, curling herself into a cozy ball between her owners. She nestles against their legs, sighing contentedly, her eyes fluttering shut. She didn’t even ask.

"Evie, you silly puppy," one coos, laughter in their voice. "You never ask, do you? But learning the rules helps everyone get along." Evie nuzzles closer, her tail thumping, already dreaming of her next little adventure. She didn’t even ask—but she’s starting to understand that sometimes, it’s good to learn when she should.