Observation.
Sounds pleasant, doesn't it? Passive, even: You do what you do, and we'll observe.
Well, let me tell you: Observation is just about the least passive thing out there. I was measured several times a day; not just my height, but my weight, and all my measurements. I had my blood taken every day. Everything I ate was studied, as well as how much (as I grew, my caloric intake increased, which is a sciencey way of saying that I ate more). And, of course, I had to use the bedpan instead of the bathroom, because they wanted to study that stuff, too. In between meals, they had me exercise, and you can damn well bet they observed me then.
My irritation with this was the only thing that was growing faster than my body. Each day, I was three inches taller than the day before. My family got to visit me for an hour each day, and it was strange to see them seem to get smaller with each visit.
On Day 4 of my incarceration at NovaChem, I stood at six feet tall; the same height as Dad, and taller than the rest of the family. Also on that day, Dr. Shalikar announced that they'd found something. We all sat in the conference room, to hear what it was.
"As you will remember," Dr. Shalikar began, "a few days ago, Summer was accidentally sprayed with an experimental fertilizer we've been developing. We had hypothesized that this fertilizer was the catalyst for her dramatic growth; today, we can confirm it."
"No duh," I retorted.
Mom shushed me, then told the doctor to continue.
"The key to the fertilizer is a revolutionary new hormone we've discovered, which promotes vegetable growth. We've found the hormone in Summer's system, indicating that it is now driving her growth, as well."
"So how can you get that hormone back out of her?" Dad asked.
"I'm afraid it's not that simple, Mr. Hayes. If the hormone in her system was from her initial exposure, the levels would be dropping, as her body used it up. Instead, the levels remain consistent."
"What does that mean, Doctor?" Mom asked.
"We believe that Summer's body is now producing the hormone. As long as it does, she will continue to grow."
"So how big am I going to get?"
"That's a good question, Summer. Unfortunately, my answer isn't nearly as satisfying: We don't know."
I slumped in my seat. Not so long ago, my growing would have seemed like a dream come true; now, with no end in sight, it was more like a nightmare.
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