Ophidiophobia: Fear of snakes

“Beware Rattlesnakes!” the sign warned. It was a good warning. She read the sign, and then glanced at the path. It wandered further into the Badlands, further into a world of nature and prehistory. She was falling in love with that world… but the snakes.

She turned away.

“Beware Rattlesnakes!” the sign warned. She was grateful for it. Rattlesnakes weren’t just a fear; they were a legitimate threat.

But she couldn’t help but wonder where the path would have led. “Beware Rattlesnakes.” Why not “Beware Missed Opportunity?”