“AHHH..”. I screamed loudly gasping, so scared that I was still shaking.

“That’s Mila and this is where I keep her kennel…(petting her) Mm-hmm. She is my little dog. I absolutely love her.” he says.

“Sure. Definitely.” I reply quietly embarrassed about what I thought these past few months that I don’t even dare to look him in the face. I keep my gaze down as he says to me, “Hey, are you okay? Are you afraid of dogs by any chance?”

'No, no, no' I say retreating as I start climbing downstairs. He follows me smiling and asks if I'm having fun. I nod. I finally look up, in...