A Hairy Secret

Hello there! I'm Mr. Bongo, the most beloved teacher at Sunnydale Elementary. The kids adore me, probably because I make learning as fun as a barrel of... well, me! You see, I've got a hairy secret. I'm not just your everyday teacher, I'm an orangutan. Shhh! The kids figured it out pretty quick. The adults? Not so much. My "extra fluffy beard," "unusual height," and "impressive arm length" were just quirks to them.

My classroom was a jungle of laughter and learning, but we also had a mission: keeping my identity secret. We had some close calls, like the time I nearly swung from the chandelier during a particularly exciting math lesson. The kids, bless them, covered for me saying we were practicing for a "Tarzan-themed play."

But one day, our new principal, Mr. Sternly, walked into our class unannounced. His eyes narrowed at my unusual appearance. The room fell silent, my heart pounded like a jungle drum. I was sure my secret was about to be exposed.

The next day, Mr. Sternly called an emergency assembly. As I stood at the back, my mind raced with plans of escape to the nearest zoo. Mr. Sternly stepped up to the mic, cleared his throat, and said, "I've discovered that Mr. Bongo is... a remarkably innovative teacher and the best we've ever had! Therefore, I am promoting him to vice principal, if he accepts."

A gasp rippled through the assembly. Vice principal? More responsibilities, more scrutiny! I shared a quick, worried glance with my students. Could I risk the promotion without revealing my secret? Would I be able to continue making learning a wild adventure, or would I be swinging into a trap?

The assembly erupted in applause, and I was left swinging in uncertainty, a true jungle of choices ahead. What should I do?

Read the holiday-infused sequel to A Hairy Secret here