Mouth Wide Shut

In Bangkok, I once came across a juvenile Retic that one could pick up and handle a bit for a few Baht, kept in an open box. Its mouth had been shut with Sellotape to keep it from biting and even though being immobilised like that, he would readily strike at anyone who dared to move closer, his voice hissing, his trace nothing but dancing anger.

I felt sorry for him, yet also absolutely admired his courage.