The tiny, stubborn piece of wild bamboo skin finally popped free from his gums!
It flew out of his mouth and landed gracefully on a nearby mossy rock.
Instant, sweet, overwhelming relief washed over Barnaby’s entire body from the top of his head to the tips of his toes.
The sharp, nagging sensation in his jaw disappeared completely in a fraction of a second.
He took a deep breath, pulled his hand out of his mouth, and closed his jaws with a satisfying, decisive click.
He stretched his neck, moved his jaw from side to side, and realized that he was finally, completely free.
The relief felt so good that for a brief moment, he almost forgot about the audience of tourists laughing hysterically in front of him.
Almost.
Barnaby slowly stood up onto all fours, his massive frame expanding to its full, intimidating height.
He lowered his head, narrowed his dark eyes, and locked gaze with the lead tour guide who was still giggling behind his hand.
The laughter among the tourists instantly died down.
The air in the jungle suddenly grew ten degrees colder as everyone realized who they were dealing with.
Barnaby puffed out his chest, rising up onto his hind legs to show off his broad, powerful shoulders.
He brought both of his massive, heavy fists up to his chest and began to beat a thunderous rhythm that rattled the very air around them.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP! 🥁
The roar that erupted from his throat was loud enough to shake the dust off the highest trees in the canopy.
It was a sound of pure power, reminding every creature in the forest—human and animal alike—exactly who ruled this mountain.
The tourists scrambled backward in sheer terror, dropping their water bottles and clutching their cameras as they bolted down the trail as fast as their legs could carry them.
Within ten seconds, the clearing was completely empty once again.
Silence returned to the lush green mountain slopes.
Barnaby lowered his arms, took a calm, peaceful breath of fresh forest air, and sat back down in his favorite spot on the soft moss.
