Description:

Late night at Marlow Station. Lead researcher Amber is one test away from cracking the handheld growth ray. The first organic trial is a canary in a cage—until the power flickers, the beam misfires, and Amber is standing right in front of the emitter.

Heat floods her body as her shoes start to stretch. And the woman who built the device becomes the first human proof that it works.

(growth ray, accidental growth, lab setting, clothing strain, size difference, shrinking man, growing women)

Excerpt:

Amber stepped in front of the emitter with her wrench and started to twist away the coupling. Doug and Jenn stood by, watching and wondering if maybe she should rethink this.

“I don’t think it’s the capacitor,” said Jenn.

“I’ve almost got the lens off,” said Amber.

Just then the power went off in the lab. The only light was from Jenn’s tablet, the blue glow showing her concerned face. Before anyone could speak, the power came back on to beeps and chirps from all the equipment.

And the growth ray fired with Amber right in front of it.

“Amber?” said Doug, rushing over and catching her just as she fell back. He eased her to the floor where she sat, a stupefied expression on her face.

“Are you okay?” Jenn asked, snapping her fingers by the girl’s ear.

“I’m . . . fine,” said Amber. “It’s hot in here, yeah?”

Doug and Jenn exchanged confused looks. “Um . . . a little,” he said. “Let’s help you back to your room.”

“Oh,” said Amber, her voice flighty and playful. “That . . . feels nice.” She was talking about the spot where Doug had touched her arm.

She fanned herself with her shirt. Amber wore her lab coat with a tank-top beneath it. Jeans and chucks. She straightened her legs and looked down the length of her body.

“Guys . . .,” said Jenn. “Something’s wrong.”

“Are you sure?” said Amber, voice dreamy and playful. “Something feels awfully right.”

Doug and Jenn exchanged looks again, but it was broken by a low groan that he thought was the lab door opening, then realized the sound was coming from much closer. It was the sound of Amber’s shoes stretching . . .

Doug and Jenn watched, amazed as the ends started to spread, her toes looking like some kind of creature struggling to get out. Despite how scary this situation was, Amber laughed.

“I think . . . it works.”

Other Info:

5,238 words Instant download • PDF & ePUB • Short story