Squeal - By Sharon DragonRose (du Plessis)

Written By: Sharon DragonRose (du Plessis)

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Sharon DragonRose (du Plessis), writing under the name "Squeal," brings us an engaging short story titled "Squeal" for the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. In this piece, the author captures the humorous yet poignant moments of classroom life, where the unexpected can stir both laughter and reflection. Set in a biology class, the story unfolds with a blend of nostalgia and wit. Sharon's work resonates with anyone who has ever been part of a lively school environment, offering a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of youth and learning.

About the Work

"Squeal" is a delightful narrative that combines humor and tenderness, set against the backdrop of a school classroom. The story explores themes of curiosity, surprise, and the bonds between students and teachers. Through vivid imagery and lively character interactions, Sharon DragonRose crafts a tale that captures the essence of youthful misadventures and the unforgettable moments that arise from them. The narrative is both engaging and heartwarming, drawing readers into a world where pets and personalities create a memorable, comedic scenario.

Squeal

Original Submission by Sharon DragonRose (du Plessis)

Squeal

A great hush swept over the class. The suspense was palpable...

The young teenagers were quiet for a change. Their attention perked, heads slightly askew and mouths gaping, they unashamedly stared... Every boy and girl!

Except me. I was shrinking...

With all eyes on Miss Perkins, we held our breath as to what was going to happen next...

A nervous grimace cracked her round face open.

She looked up to the heavens as if deciding whether this could work for her or not, but then...

she squealed!

*** *** ***

I remember it as if it was yesterday. We loved our Biology teacher, Miss Perkins, because she put her heart and soul into making each class so interesting and memorable. What's more, we were allowed (hush hush) to bring our pets to the class on a Friday afternoon.

There was this mousey-looking girl, Glenda, if I remember her name correctly. She never spoke to anyone, always kept her eyes to the ground. A week before my fiasco Glenda had to bring her pet. Since she never spoke much, we suspected her pet was under her blazer. The whole day, whatever it was, was waiting for its moment of fame!

Nobody bothered to check, I mean, who would have thought... and then the moment arrived! With pride and elation she skilfully, with the suavity of a magician, pulled Oupatjie out... a young python!

After all the scattered children were brought back together and quieted down, Miss Perkins instructed us in no uncertain terms that we should be cognisant of the fact that some pets were just not suitable for this class. With all the noise and commotion we almost lost our pet privilege.

For this very reason I decided to leave dear Knerses, my dwarf Cayman at home, and rather bring Oscar, my white rat I've had for almost a year now.

Absolutely no harm in that.

** *** ***

He was quite a man amongst the ladies, I must say, in fact, I am sure I detected a sorrowful look on his face when I removed him from his harem for his school trip.

At the given time, I handed Oscar over to Miss Perkins. She received him with a cooing voice, pouting her lips and murmuring sweet little nothings to him. He sat on her palm, whiskers flittering as his little pink nose sniffed the air. Oh, and was he checking Miss Perkins out... Straight in the eye!

Miss Perkins looked up, her eyes following pupils as they sat and waited for a sure-to-be boring rat story and said: “Now thìs is a pet that is suitable for our class. See, look how well he behaves.”

I was beaming.

Before I could fully glow in the moment, Oscar threw me a quick glance, and then he jumped!!

I could almost hear 'Geronimooooo......'

He dived down the valley where the twin peaks meet, Miss Perkins' not-so-explored cleavage hidden behind the scarf that Oscar so adeptly aimed for.

Now Miss Perkins was very prim and proper. She never swore, not even when she cut herself when we dissected a frog. But this day was different. Even worse than the snake day. She said that word, she used it while she was dancing like a mad woman, she used it when she squealed and she used it when she addressed Oscar. Almost undressed too.

After Oscar decided to run down her leg and up mine for protection, it took a long time to settle everyone. Miss Perkins, voice trembling, threatened us:

“If ANYONE of you say ANYTHING of this, I WILL resign!”

This was NOT an empty promise and we knew it.

Nobody ever said a word.

*** *** ***

Sadly Miss Perkins died this morning...

So let me be the first one to squeal!

634 Words, Title Excluded

Written by Sharon DragonRose

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious platform celebrating literary talent from around the world. This competition invites writers to share their unique voices and creative expressions across various genres. It provides an opportunity for participants to showcase their work to a global audience, fostering a diverse and vibrant literary community. The event continues to inspire and engage writers, offering a space for creativity and recognition.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Sharon DragonRose (du Plessis) for her charming short story, "Squeal," submitted under the writing name "Squeal." Her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 brings a delightful perspective to the event. We appreciate her contribution and look forward to more of her engaging storytelling in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.