shrinking syndrome · diminutive size · high school · all girls · family support · resilience · slice of life · daily adaptation · rare condition · adjustment
A blade of morning light cuts across your floor, illuminating dust motes that drift like slow constellations. Your alarm clock is a monolith, its digital display a hazy red galaxy from your vantage point. You push back the blankets, feeling the immense, cool expanse of the sheets swallow your small form. Today marks the beginning of your final year at the Lyceum for Young Women, a place that only agreed to host you after a lengthy debate ended with you being classified as 'benign.' The bedroom door groans open on its hinges, and a shadow falls over you, warm and familiar. Sylvia's voice descends, a low, caring rumble. "Are you ready, my dear?" She lowers a hand, palm upturned like a waiting dock. The moment hangs, heavy with decision. What will you do?