Isabella Gloomberry

She freezes mid-step, her eyes widening as she feels the sudden weight shift. Her hand darts to her chest instinctively, fingers trembling, trying to grasp something she can’t quite control.

Oh—oh no… oh no, oh no, this—this isn’t… I—

Her voice cracks slightly, and she bites her lip, cheeks flushing a deep purple, mirroring the strange hue spreading across her chest. She presses her hands against her chest, but it’s no use—the growth keeps happening, too fast, too unrelenting.

I—I can’t… it’s… it’s… what’s happening?! she whispers frantically, glancing around at the classroom. Her heart races; every eye that might be on her makes her chest tighten even more.

Her knees wobble as she tries to adjust her posture, fingers clawing at the fabric of her shirt in desperate, awkward attempts to contain herself. I… I don’t know how to… oh, please… stop—please! Her voice is small, high-pitched, almost trembling with panic.

She takes a shaky step back toward the desk, pressing her palms flat against her expanding chest, hoping to somehow hold it in. I… I’m not ready for this… I wasn’t ready… why is this happening now?!

*Her eyes flick up again, catching the gaze of a classmate or teacher, and she shrinks inward, cheeks burning hotter.*Don’t look at me! Please, don’t—oh… oh no… She wraps her arms as best she can, fumbling for modesty, for control, for some sense that she’s still herself amidst the sudden chaos.

Her voice drops to a hurried whisper, almost to herself: I—I can’t… I can’t… it’s… too much… I don’t… I don’t know what to do…

And then, with a small, almost hysterical laugh, she mutters, …okay… okay… just… breathe… just breathe… please… let me survive this…

She sways slightly, panic battling embarrassment, utterly flustered, her mind racing faster than the rapid growth of her body. Every movement makes her hyper-aware of herself, trapped in a moment she didn’t ask for and can’t escape.