A few days later Mary found a large box in the mail. Inside was a refrigerated sample of the growth hormone Dr. Johnson had specially ordered for Cindy. After Cindy's massive shrinking episode, Mary had called Dr. Johnson, describing Cindy's shrinkage, and was relieved to be assured that the reduction in size would be temporary and would be counteracted by the growth serum. Dr. Johnson said he would call the lab to provide an extra strong dosage so that Cindy would quickly be restored to normal. The formula would be shipped directly from the research lab in Switzerland and should arrive in a few days' time.
Now that it was here, Mary had mixed feelings. She was a little relieved, of course. Cindy's shrinking had scared her a little. She didn't want her sister to be stuck so small. But then again, it was nice to be the big sister for once. The girl everyone doted on and paid attention to . She was going to miss it.
Mary carefully read the note Dr. Johnson provided with the hormones. Cindy was supposed to receive one drop of the liquid every day, no more. The hormones were experimental, and a higher dose could have unpredictable side effects. The note also stressed that once Cindy began the hormones, it was very important that she continue to take the entire course of hormones and not skip any doses. After a week, Cindy's bones would return to their normal age and their growth plates would fuse, preventing any further growth.
Mary sighed and looked at the vial of cold liquid.
An extra strength dose, huh, she thought. Cindy will probably end up even taller and prettier than me again.
Mary began to wonder about Mark. Would he still love her when Cindy was better looking? Surely he loved her personality as much as her looks. Then again, Cindy did have age and experience on her side. Adding some height to that could make a threatening combination.
But it doesn't have to be, she thought suddenly. No one has seen this package yet. I could dilute the hormone. Cindy would grow, but just not as tall as me.
Mary poured half of the vial into another container, and mixed in some water with the original vial. After a few twirls, the solution returned to its original green color, albeit a little paler.
A pat on the shoulder startled her.
"Hey, what's that?" asked Mark, as he patted her shoulder and gave her a kiss. Missie and Billy stood in the doorway, watching them. They were still being punished for their bad behavior, and Mark kept a constant watch on them to ensure that they didn't bother Cindy again. They didn't want a repeat of their last misadventure. They weren't sure how much more shrinking Cindy could safely handle, and they really didn't want to find out.
"My sister's growth hormone," said Mary.
"Great, " said Mark. Her shrinking had really scared Mark, too. But after a long explanation, he understood the situation and began to calm down. "I was beginning to get a little worried. She hasn't gotten any smaller, but it can't be healthy to stay like that."
"The doctor said it was fine, as long she took this later, " said Mary. "But I am sure she is uncomfortable like that. We should start her treatment today."
Mary called to Cindy, and she bounded down the stairs like the small child she now resembled. Mary carefully used a dropper to give her a single dose. There was no noticeable effect. Mary herself had required several months of hormone treatment before she saw any effects. Even at a higher dosage, she doubted Cindy would show any change until tomorrow. Still, she was a little worried that she may have diluted the sample too much. Or perhaps made it totally ineffective. Tomorrow she would measure Cindy, and increase her dosage if she was still too small. She still had half of the original undiluted sample if she needed it.
Cindy returned to Mark and Mary's room to play, and Mark sent the other kids outside so they wouldn't bother Cindy. Once she was alone, Mary examined the undiluted sample.
Maybe I should try a little myself, thought Mary. A few more inches might even make me more attractive to Mark.
She dismissed this thought and hid the undiluted sample in the back of the fridge. She placed the diluted sample in the front of the fridge, to keep it cold until Cindy needed her next dose.
Mary gave one glance back at the fridge, debating once again whether she should try some of the hormone, then went to go check on her sister upstairs.