"Look Y/N! They have an insect and reptile exhibit!" Michael pointed out excitedly.
"Yay," you said nervously.
He grabbed your hand and hurried to the insect exhibit like a child. You smiled at his excitement, but your heartbeat quickened at the sight of insects or reptiles, especially spiders and snakes.
"Hello! Welcome to the insect and creepy crawlers exhibit!" A blonde, female zookeeper greeted.
"Thank you!" Michael smiled and pulled you in.
You grabbed his arm and hid behind him.
"Look at this, Y/N! They have cockroaches, beetles, and tarantulas!" Michael exclaimed.
"Would you like to hold one?" The zookeeper asked.
"Oh boy, would I? Yes please!" Michael replied.
The zookeeper reached into one of the glass containers and pulled out a tarantula. You took eight steps back.
Michael held his hands out and she placed the tarantula in his palms.
"Y/N!" He beamed and turned around.
He was surprised to see you quite far back.
"Where are you going? Come here and look at ... what's its name?"
"His name is Max," the zookeeper smiled.
"Come look at Max!"
"No thank you," you quickly said.
"Fear of spiders?" The zookeeper asked.
"Fear of everything in this room," you giggled nervously.
"The best way to conquer that fear is to face it," she encouraged.
"Come on, Y/N. He won't hurt you," Michael smiled.
You shook your head.
Michael shrugged and began walking over to you.
"No, Michael! Don't you dare! Get that thing away from me!" You exclaimed, backing away from him.
He smiled and continued to follow you.
"Michael, I'm stop! I'm scared."
"He won't bite you, Y/N. Just come look at him up close."
"No!" You started giggling.
He put on a goofy face and started chasing you around the room with Max. You laughed and ran away from him. The zookeeper pulled out some peanuts to eat and watched the show.
At first, you were escaping Michael successfully. Eventually, he cornered you.
"No, Michael please," you begged.
"I won't make you hold him. Just take a look, okay?"
You slowly nodded. He approached you with Max. When he got close, you shut your eyes.
"Open your eyes or I'll place him on your shoulder."
You obeyed Michael and looked at the spider. Max crawled into a different position. He seemed pretty harmless. He was just chilling.
"I-I guess he's not so bad," you said.
Michael smiled, "See? You wanna hold him now?"
"No way."
"Maybe you can start by holding something small. What about a baby centipede?" The zookeeper recommended.
"O-okay," you agreed.
