=== “This is a bottle of ipecac,” Mateo said,
pointing at a brown bottle as tall as he was. “It makes you throw up.” Beth was lying on her stomach with her
head propped on her hand. She was watching her boyfriend give her a science
lesson, nodding with scrunched up eyebrows, not entirely convinced by his
speech. “You’ll drink the bottle,” he said, not
convinced himself but having the urge to say what was on his mind. “And then,
15 minutes later, you … swallow me.” “Uh-huh,” Beth said slowly. “I’ll be in your stomach only for a
little. Because the ipecac will make you puke, and out I’ll come.” Too nervous
to meet Beth’s gaze, Mateo waited in silence for her to react. But Beth just remained on her bed,
unmoved. Mateo cringed as he played back what he said with some mental clarity.
This quirk of his was strange as hell, and he didn’t expect Beth to understand
it. “I looked it up, Mateo,” she said, “and
you’ll get burned by my stomach acids as soon as you enter. Would you like me
to drop you inside a car battery? Y’know, swim around battery acid? Because
that’s almost the same pH of stomach acid. And the ipecac ain’t guaranteed to
work on me … No. It’s way too risky, boo.” Mateo looked down and nodded. “I know
you're right. It was stupid—wait, you looked it up? Why?” Beth’s cheeks flushed bashfully. She
turned her eyes away and then glanced back to see if he was still looking.
Mateo’s eyes were wide, and he stepped close to the edge of the nightstand.
Beth laughed as she was caught red-handed. “I looked it up for the same reason you
did!” She rolled onto her back and plucked her boyfriend from the nightstand.
She set him on her bare stomach. “I know you're into it. So, I wondered if
there was a safe way to eat you. As far as I can tell, it’s not worth it. I’m
sorry, Mateo.” “I can’t believe …” he trailed off as he
walked down her abs. “Hey, what’s wrong?” she said with
concern in her tone. “I was so nervous asking you about this.”
He turned and faced Beth, looking at her between the hills of her breasts,
strapped down by her sports bra. “I thought you’d think I was a freak. But you
looking up this eating stuff on your own, because you knew I liked it … I feel
so lucky you’re my girlfriend.” “And I feel so lucky you’re my
boyfriend.” Beth’s stomach chose that moment to rumble. “Mmm, maybe it sucks
you’re my boyfriend. Because if you weren’t, I’d eat you up and never let you
out.” Mateo groaned. His cock was rock hard
from both the stomach gurgle and Beth’s words. “Want to play in my mouth, boo?” “Yes, I do.” “Well, come over here. My mouth is
watering thinking about tasting you.” === “She built all this,” Isaac said with a
voice that sounded like stones rolling down a cliff side. He opened the
curtains wide to the second-story window of his new home and looked out to the
village. Roslyn, in her pajamas, walked beside him as he opened the window.
“Good morning!” he shouted to a couple walking the sidewalk by his home. Those on the sidewalk greeted Isaac and
Roslyn and continued their walk. Roslyn hugged her beefy husband and rested her
head on his shoulder. “She did it with the help of some amazing
friends,” Roslyn said. “I’m beyond proud of Beth. And I’m especially impressed
by her boyfriend. He didn’t have to risk his life confronting Pearson like
that. He knew nothing about us but still risked his neck for his girlfriend’s
parents.” Isaac nodded. He looked to the backyard
of the home and saw his giant daughter’s face lying on the lawn. Her mouth was
open as she lightly snored, fast asleep. In the middle of the night, Beth snuck
into her village and curled up around her parents’ sensible home, spooning them
close to her rock-hard abs. She slept with her face close to the home and most
of her massive body in the human-only
section of the room. “She’s gigantic,” Isaac stated the
obvious. Roslyn laughed to herself before she
spoke. “Are you concerned your little girl is dating? Are you going to have a
talk with her boyfriend and make sure his intentions are pure?” “I’ll talk to him,” Isaac said, not
looking away from his daughter's enormous slumbering face, still having a hard
time believing this was his flesh and blood that loomed over the house he was
in. “I’ll talk to him and wish luck.” === The next several days were strange for
Beth. She allowed Tricia to crash on her couch as a thank you for rescuing her boyfriend, Emma, and her parents. But
allowing Tricia in her home so close to her village was difficult, knowing that
Tricia murdered several innocent downsizers. What made things extra weird was
that Evie, a high-ranking DPS agent, chose to defend Tricia instead of
prosecuting her. Beth’s feelings towards Tricia were …
complicated, to say the least. The people she held dear in her life were under
her roof and protected thanks to Tricia. But she was a murderer … of
downsizers, a thought that troubled Beth to no end. Beth invited Tricia to her
home as a guest and gave her the freedom to make herself feel at home—but the
village was strictly off limits. Beth also avoided talking to Tricia, but
Tricia didn’t notice the added coldness coming from Beth and thought things
between them were normal. As Beth walked from her bedroom to her
village, she saw Tricia and Evie sitting on her couch, preparing for the trial.
Kamila sat in Evie’s palm, who held her up to her face. Whatever conversation
they were having was lively and extra friendly. Evie smiled widely as she
gently prodded Kamila. Beth would rather it be her playing with
Kamila. She pushed those thoughts away. Beth remembered she had an entire
village, swelling to over 80 downsizers, all to herself. They weren’t her
playthings, but more like 80 teeny, tiny friends that she adored. Since Beth was in her home, she wore her
usual outfit: yoga shorts, a tight shirt, and nothing more. She could feel the
eyes of the other humans and downsizers scanning her figure wherever she was.
Beth didn’t mind everyone looking and even planned her outfits for the coming
days that would get more attention. She answered the door and found Hazel and
Emma standing there. The lesbian couple stood there awestruck as they looked up
at Beth, who was showing off a lot of tanned skin. Sure, they’ve grown closer
in the past weeks, but their relationship was purely platonic. But how could
Hazel and Emma not lust after Beth when she stood in front of them like a
Victoria’s Secret model? Beth towering above them with legs thick enough to
choke a bear. Beth leaned in and gave Hazel a hug.
Hazel’s hesitant hands felt around Beth’s lower back—so low she brushed up
against her firm ass. Beth broke the hug and asked Emma if she could carry her.
Emma practically leaped into Beth’s outstretched hand. The two have come a long
way and appreciated each other for different reasons. Hazel followed Beth
inside, her eyes glued to the bouncing glutes jiggling in front of her. - Beth and Hazel had an important project.
They were constructing the courtroom on her dinner table using craft wood Beth
bought at a hobby store. Emma directed the humans while holding a clipboard,
acting as the site’s foreman. “Dammit, Haze,” the tiny girl shouted.
“Have you ever seen a courtroom? Gallery goes in the back. Jury box here, with
the prosecutor’s table closest to it. Then
the defendant’s table. Jesus, I swear—hey, what are you doing? Put me down! I’m
serious. I’m not even fucking joking, Haze. Put me down! Not fucking there!” Hazel stuffed Emma in her bra. Her tiny
girlfriend was getting worked up again and needed a nap. “How are things with your mom and dad?”
Hazel asked Beth. She applied strong-scented glue to a piece of wood and stuck
them together until they dried. Some of the sticky substance oozing onto her
digit. “I love them! They told me their whole
story about the mayor and his scheme—but to be honest, they didn’t need to. It
just feels so good to be a family again.” “Mateo getting along with them?” Beth giggled. “Yeah.” “What’s so funny?” Hazel asked with an
inquisitive grin. “Mateo wanted to be a gentleman,” Beth
said, unable to contain her laughter. “He came to mom and dad’s house in the
village and knocked on their door, wearing a suit that was way too big for him
and asked my dad if he could court
me.” “Court
you? What is this? The fifties?” “Anyway, my dad was nervous and just
said, ‘Sure’ to Mateo.” Beth finished constructing the jury box and set it
down. “I stood behind their house and stomped my foot down. Probably a little
scary for them because I was wearing my dress and five-inch heels.” “Five inches? Goddamn you must’ve been
tall as fuck.” “And sexy.” Hazel let out an audible whimper as she
imagined Beth in her dating clothes and heels. She rubbed her fingers together,
balling up dried glue on her digits. Beth said, “I told my dad not to make it
so easy, y’know? I want a dad who’s stern and looking out for me. Not some
pushover. So he tried again and told Mateo to be on his best behavior. ‘That’s
my little girl. And I don’t want you to disrespect her and not to push her into
anything she doesn’t want to do.’ He pointed his finger up in the air like he
used to do.” Hazel felt her girlfriend struggle over
her soft boob flesh and almost make it out from under her bra. But a slight tug
on the shoulder strap, she readjusted her breasts within the bra, causing Emma
to fall deeper into the cup. “He really said that to Mateo? Did he mean it?” “No!” Beth giggled again. “That’s what’s
so funny. I thanked him later, but at that moment, my dad was so nervous about
upsetting me, he put on this big show for Mateo and me. I don’t like him being
scared of me, but it was so funny seeing my tiny dad trying to be protective of
me. He even gave Mateo the sex talk.” “What was that like?” Beth picked up the Judge’s stand and used
a rag to dab a dark cherry stain on it. “Standard sex talk, I guess. ‘Don’t
deflower my little girl,’ or something like that.” “And?” “Me and Mateo fucked later that night.”
Both girls laughed. “Not like we haven’t before. But it felt extra naughty
after getting that talk from my dad. But anyway, I gotta work on my parents not
being afraid of me. I suppose never being around a human and then being cared
for by someone like me whose—” “Fucking huge to begin with.” “—can be a lot to ask.” Both girls continued putting the
finishing touches on the miniature courtroom that they centered in the middle
of the dining table. They invited everyone from the shelter who wanted to
attend, plus a select few from Lilliputian Lakes. The jury would comprise both
registered and unregistered downsizers. The judge and prosecutor would be
downsizers as well. Humans would sit around the dining table but all to one
side so they weren’t surrounding the court like wolves. - Evie wrote down the name of Tricia’s
doctor using a wooden #2 pencil. Kamila stood on the legal pad, watching and
listening to the graphite scratch the manilla yellow paper only inches from
her. Evie’s office accessories smelled brand new. “Dr. William Honeybell,” Evie said out
loud. “I’ll contact him and make sure he’s available to testify on your behalf,
Tricia.” Evie finished her note taking and offered her palm to Kamila. The tiny
Polish woman stepped on and sat in the center as Evie closed her notebook. “Is all of this worth it?” Tricia asked,
looking over at the table where Beth and Hazel were giggling about something
while playing arts and crafts with the miniature courtroom. “We could speed
this up by you letting Mateo’s mom downsize and execute me.” “No more of that talk,” Evie said,
handing Kamila to Tricia. “I run the operations at this region’s DPS, and if I
thought you deserved forced downsizing and execution, it would’ve happened
already. But this trial is happening not only because I believe you deserve
better but also because everyone around here does. Especially your girlfriend.” Tricia looked down at Kamila. “Listen to
her,” Kamila said. Tricia looked over at Evie. “Promise me
this isn’t a sham.” “What do you mean?” Evie asked. “I don’t want this to be a dog and pony
show. I want this to be as real as possible. If the other side doesn’t put up a
fight, I won’t believe this trial was fair and that you all just put up a
farce.” Evie gave the girl a wry smile. “That’s a
really mature thing to say, Tricia. And you have my word, the prosecution won’t
go easy on you.” “How do you know?” “I know the prosecutor. We went to
college together and used to do mock trials in our political science courses.
She really got into it and treated it like a competition. I told her about
you—and while she has no hard feelings towards you—she won’t make my job
defending you easy in the slightest.” “You went to college with Mateo’s mom?”
Tricia asked, lifting a brow. Evie chuckled. “Who?
Sofia? No, no. We didn’t go to school together, and she’s not prosecuting you.
She’s actually a witness in your trial and will bring up the confession you
made to her.” Tricia nodded.
Kamila gave her a pat on her fingers. === Two days passed, ushering the date of the
trial. Evie dressed up in a navy-blue business skirt and blazer with a white
shirt underneath. Her heels clacked across the linoleum flooring in the kitchen
as she walked towards the dining table. She set her briefcase on the ground and
undid the bottom button of her blazer as she sat down. The miniature courtroom
was beyond adorable. Beth and Hazel had put in far more details than she was
expecting, from the yellow New Mexico flag behind the judge’s stand, to the little
fence-line that created the boundary between the gallery and the rest of the
court. Evie set a neat stack of papers in front
of her and fiddled with her wooden pencil in her fingers. Her eyes scanned her
opening statement speech she crafted for a full day, feeling the butterflies
bounce in her stomach. Hazel came to the dining table and placed
the downsizer carrier she was holding gently on the table. Dozens of downsizers
came out as she opened the front doors to the clear acrylic box. These
downsizers were either members of the jury or the downsized public who came to
watch the trial. They were inside Beth’s Village, staying in either their homes
or the makeshift hotels Beth constructed. “Well, well, well,” the prosecuting
attorney said as she stepped off the carrier. She wore flats along with her
business suit. She chose a dark gray motif that made her recently dyed blonde
hair standout more magnificently. In her left hand was a briefcase, while her
right hand rested on her tiny three-month pregnant belly. “So, we meet again.” Evie grinned. “You do know we could’ve
carpooled together, right Luna?” Luna skipped leisurely between the
benches in the gallery and stepped through the swinging gate to reach the
prosecutor’s table. She swung and dropped her briefcase on the table before
making a pirouette on her heels to face the giant human looming above the
open-air courtroom. "Oh, yeah, of course! But I just
needed a teeny few more minutes with my cute friends," Luna said, bouncing
on her toes. "You know, super important witness stuff! Going over all
those little details—crossing our t's and dotting our i's. Isn't this
exciting?" “I suppose.” "Oh my god, this is going to be the
funnest thing ever!" Luna bounced in place, clasping her hands together in
front of her baby bump. "Remember how I used to totally demolish you in
court? And here you are again—you must really love getting beaten by tiny
little me! But seriously though, are you one-hundo-percent-sure you want me to
go all out? Because I can make this so bad—like, so, so bad—the jury might cast
a verdict before I can finish my closing statement. Not that I'm bragging or anything,
but like, you know how good I am at this!" “Focus, Luna. This isn’t a mock trial for
fun. A girl is accused of murder. You have to speak for the victims, and I’ll
speak for my client. We have to work our hardest for them.” Luna nodded. “Yeah, yeah, sure, sure.”
Luna unbuttoned her blazer, sat in her seat, and kicked her feet up on the
empty chair beside her. “Oh, and just ‘cuz you’re all giant and stuff, don’t
mean I’ll be intimidated. And Evie, you’re not gonna get all screamy and
lose-your-tempery like you did back in college, are you? Your face was scary
when I was human sized. I don’t think I, or the other guys, want to see your
angry face when it’s the size of a building!” Evie blew out an exasperated breath
through her lips, causing her bangs over her forehead to blow back. “I promise
I won’t let you get to me.” - Hazel made several more trips, ferrying
downsizers to the miniature courtroom. While that happened, Beth brought over
Mateo and her parents to the dining room and sat to the side. She set them down
and watched intently as they made their way to the gallery. Sofia came inside the apartment, also
carrying a couple dozen downsizers from Lilliputian Lakes in a carrier. After
dropping them off, she sat next to Beth, exchanging a few smiles with her son.
When she saw Luna, Sofia’s expression dropped. Her eyes saw the unmistakable
baby bump. “You must be Mateo?” a man said, sitting
on the bench next to Mateo, extending a hand for a shake. Mateo reluctantly
shook the stranger’s hand. “Name’s Charles. Your mom and I are, uh … dating. I
hope you’re okay with that.” “Uhm. Sure? Why wouldn’t I be?” “I know it can be hard seeing your mom
and dad date other people after a divorce.” “I’m okay with that. If she’s happy—I’m
happy.” “That’s good to hear, kid. She told me
you’re in a mixed-sized relationship, too. Seems like we got a little in
common. Dating a giant is something else, huh?” “I love it, personally.” “Same. You ever hear the term ‘gentle
giant’ before? I feel like that best describes your mother. You’re lucky to
have a mother so caring and loving that doesn’t abuse her size difference like
that girl on trial.” Mateo’s eyes were wide and his mouth
agape. “Wait, you’re dating my mom,
right? Sofia Rodriguez?” “Yeah.” “Huh,” was all Mateo said. - Tricia entered the living room from the
bathroom. Evie, Sofia, Beth, and Hazel snapped their heads towards her. They
were the only humans in the room. Looking over at the table, Tricia saw swarms
of downsizers walking around and sitting in the tiny courtroom. She felt like
vomiting because of her nerves. Tricia’s steps were slow and deliberate as she
walked to the seat beside Evie. Evie helped strategize Tricia’s clothing
for court. A modest business dress in black that fit snug around her petite
body. A cream-colored blazer sat elegantly on her narrow shoulders, and she
wore a pair of pumps matching her blazer. She had her light-brown hair done and
was recently styled to fall just below her chin and right above her shoulders,
with highlights at the end of each strand. To finish her ensemble, a tiny
Polish woman with matching outfit stood tall in her palm. Kamila jumped off Tricia’s palm and sat
with the other downsizers in the gallery. Tricia sat beside Evie and felt the
woman give her leg a pat. The stares from the other human women in the room
burned a hole in the side of her face. A dark-skinned downsizer playing the role
of bailiff, in a tremendous authoritative voice, said, “All rise for the
Honorable Lillian Night.” Downsizers and humans alike stood up. The
five human women looming over the courtroom like redwoods to a dandelion.
Felicia came out of the judge’s chamber, holding onto her mother’s arm as she
directed the nearly blind woman to the judge’s stand. Lillian wore a black robe
with a white collar. The crafting material that made up the
courtroom smelled rich of wood and oily stain. It mixed with the perfumes Evie
and Tricia wore, offering a rich bouquet of complex odors that faded once their
noses acclimated to the scents. Once seated, Lillian instructed everyone else
to take their seats. The sounds of downsizers rustling about between their
clothes, footsteps, and seats were promptly overtaken by the cacophony of five
giant women taking their giant seats. Some downsizers were nervous about
sharing the room with such enormous women. Those from Beth’s Village had their
trepidation tempered by having Beth and Hazel among the giants. They trusted
those particular humans with their lives after spending so much time with them
in the village. The other two women were DPS agents, and that caused some more
ease. But Tricia, the accused murderer of three of their kind, made them …
apprehensive. “This is an unprecedented trial,” Lillian
said in her soft, grandmother-like tone. Her eyelids were mostly shut and her
hands clasped, resting on the surface in front of her. “I welcome it and thank
you all for being part of history.” Lillian went on to explain that although
this was an unusual trial, she
expected everyone to adhere to courtroom decorum and give the defendant a fair
trial that upheld the standards of the big world. With the formalities out of
the way, Lillian faced the prosecution table and said, “Counselor, you may
begin with your opening statement.” Luna’s desk had a legal pad with nothing
written on it. She pushed it off to the side and took a drink of water before
setting the glass down. She stood up and faced Evie, giving her a wink as she
buttoned her blazer. “Your Honor,” Luna said, facing each
group as she called them out, “counsel, members of the jury, this case before
you today is as straightforward as they come.” She stepped around her table and
took ten slow paces towards the jury box. “It’s about a human with calculated
hatred towards people like you and me, culminating in the murder of three
people.” She held up three fingers and waved them for all to see. “And the
attempted murder of two fellow students.” Beth’s apartment was dead silent except
for the gentlest rapping of Luna’s flats against the uneven surface of the
dining table. “You’ll hear testimony from Emma Kingsley
and Mateo Rodriguez about how they narrowly escaped death at the hands of a
monstrous human. A human who used her size to end the lives of the most
vulnerable people in our society—lives that, in her warped worldview, mattered
less because they were teeny tiny.” Mateo and Emma perked up when they heard
their names. Luna paced around the courtroom like a lazy shark in warm waters.
She looked into the eyes of every juror and became animated with her hands. From the human sidelines, Sofia watched
Luna with contempt. What happened to the Luna she knew? Since when did the
hippie girl turn into a lawyer? It jarred Sofia so much; she thought she was
watching a movie and not a real-life performance before her eyes. “We will prove Ms. Tricia Adams didn't
just wake up one day and decide to commit these crimes.” Luna pointed at the
human, as if she were pointing to the rooftop of a high-rise. “We will show you
a pattern of increasing hatred toward downsizers and a systematic targeting of
unregistered downsizers, which allowed Ms. Adams to get away with her crimes
more easily. Ms. Adams was cognizant of her crimes and took precise steps to
cover them up—proving she knew right from wrong.” Evie chewed her lips. Luna knew Evie was
calling Tricia’s doctor as witness during the defense portion of the trial. It
sounded like Luna was covering her bases, preparing for an insanity defense.
Luna always did this. Like a chess master that knew her moves before she even
did. The woman was far more intelligent than people gave her credit for. “You’ll hear testimony from eyewitnesses
who saw the defendant brutally murdering downsizers with cool and deliberate
intent. The mountain of circumstantial evidence will leave no doubt in your
minds that not only did Ms. Adams commit these murders but that she
premeditated and schemed these murders, fueled by her monstrous appetite.” Luna placed her hands on the edge of the
jury box and leaned forward. She paused her speech to look every juror in the
eyes before looking up at Tricia. The giant girl had her head bowed and looked
down at her lap. “The defense will try to distract you
with stories of Ms. Adams's good deeds and what a complex person she is—but
don't let them trick ya. You’ll find the only complexities here were the steps
Ms. Adams took to manipulate the emotional heartstrings of those around her.
She thinks her good deeds in Lilliputian Lakes will overshadow her horrific
crimes. But I know you, members of the jury, are far smarter than she is and
will see through the façade she has built. “Now, at the conclusion of this trial, I
ask you to return a guilty verdict on three counts of murder in the first
degree and two counts of attempted murder in the first degree. Anything less
will be an injustice to the victims who cannot speak for themselves today.” Luna turned her back to the jury and
looked up at Evie, who sat visibly nervous. Luna blew her hot breath along her
nails and then buffed them against her blazer in a cool 1920s era gesture. It
was code for Evie that said beat that,
bitch. Luna practically skipped back to her
table. This is so much fun! she
thought. A flood of memories from her time at university flooded her mind.
Aside from dating Liam, those mock trials were the highlights of her time in
undergraduate school. She had a brief stint as a paralegal, but that was more
paperwork than performance art. Standing up in front of everyone and presenting
a rousing speech is what she lived for. And she needed no notes or preparation
to deliver a persuasive speech that would get the jury begging for more. She felt bad for Evie and the girl. Luna
was angry about the murders but felt conflicted after learning all she could
about Tricia. But when Evie insisted Luna give her best shot and not back down,
she went into vampire mode. She’ll do her best to argue for the victims and
respect what the jury decides. And she did not envy the task the jury was up
against. It was something Luna didn’t think she could do. But ask her to act as
a high-priced lawyer, and she’ll do it better than Ally McBeal. “Counselor,” Judge Night said, facing
Evie. “Do you wish to provide an opening statement?” Under the table, Evie was twisting her
pencil until it snapped. Her eyes scanned each line of her prepared opening
statement. She had crossed words out, added sentences to the side, had
different arguments prepared depending on what Luna brought up. She took three
long breaths before she spoke up. “Umm, I am, your honor.” Evie pushed back her seat, the wooden
feet from the chair scraping along the cheap flooring. Downsizers throughout
the courtroom cringed and bounced as the loud noise shook them. Up on her feet, Evie closed her notepad
and focused on her words. She believed in Tricia, even if Tricia didn’t believe
in herself. Evie’s hand ironed out the front of her outfit while her eyes
looked far down at the dozen two-inch people making up the jury. Suddenly she
was aware of her disadvantage. Every micro-expression would be amplified
30-fold, and it’d be difficult to personalize herself to the jurors. Evie
stopped herself. She had to remain focused and give the speech she practiced. “Your honor, members of the miniature
court, we live in extraordinary times. J-just 80 years ago, groundbreaking
shrinking technology blurred the line between magic and science. In that time,
two populations have emerged, co-existing, improving our environment,
bolstering our technological advancement, and improving financial security for
countless families. Yet, despite our achievements, our justice system for
humans and downsizers remains decidedly … stagnant.” Evie stepped around Tricia. The jurors,
along with everyone in the court, felt her heavy footsteps quake the table as
she came around closer to the jury box. “The prosecution has painted my client,
Tricia Adams, as a monster.” Evie pointed at Tricia while staring down at Luna.
“A calculated downsize killer so preposterously evil, you’d think you were
listening to a description of a comic book villain. And these descriptions of
Ms. Adams won’t end there. Don’t be surprised if, by the end of this trial, the
prosecution ends their description of Ms. Adams with horns and a tail.” Though her size put her at a disadvantage
from addressing the tiny jurors, it granted Evie the ability to walk around the
entire court, like a goddess addressing her mortals from Mount Olympus. “They'll introduce few witnesses, no
physical evidence, and a childishly simplistic narrative that Tricia is a
stone-cold killer with no real motivation other than prejudicial hate against
downsizers.” Evie found her voice. She felt loosened
and ready to give the court the impassioned speech she had practiced with
rising inflections, pauses, and shifting volumes in her voice. “Now, the prosecution will conveniently
overlook Ms. Adams’s mental health during the crimes. And I guarantee the
prosecution will omit the details of Ms. Adams seeking professional help and
committing herself to her ongoing treatment. In addition, they’ll remain silent
about Ms. Adams’s time in Lilliputian Lakes, where she stopped a sexual
assault, prevented a suicide, responded to a gondola disaster, and saved
someone’s life from a 600-foot drop. Curious omissions, wouldn’t you say?” Evie paused for dramatic effect. She
continued circling the wagon, coming back to Tricia’s side as she looked down
at the downsizers. “But perhaps most telling is this: for
four years, Ms. Adams secretly cared for and protected her father—an
unregistered downsizer.” Evie held her hands over her heart. “Now, I find it
fascinating that someone supposedly prejudicial, with murderous hate towards
downsizers, would also dedicate years—years!—protecting
the very thing she allegedly hates and at great personal risk.” Evie softened her voice with the last few
words. “We will hear from Ms. Adams’s doctor,
her girlfriend, and those she interacted with while inside Lilliputian Lakes.
You will hear testimony from downsizers that will sing praises to Tricia for
saving their lives inside a city of 35,000 downsizers. A city, I should remind
you, that has zero defenses against humans. And if we were to believe the
prosecution, wouldn’t Ms. Adams have gone on a murderous rampage instead of
becoming a hero in so many people’s hearts? She’s a far cry from the murderous
downsize killer the prosecution presented.” Evie went back to circling the courtroom.
Downsizers in the jury box and gallery having to shift and turn their bodies to
follow the enormous woman above them. “The prosecution will do their damndest
to present Ms. Adams as a monster. But she’s not. She’s not. Tricia Adams has
gone through a harrowing journey to be here today. She is a complex individual
and deserves her story to be told in its entirety and judged accordingly. I
know, by the end of this trial, you’ll see beyond the simple narratives of her
alleged crimes and find Ms. Adams innocent. Thank you.” Evie sat back down and let out a breath.
Her hands were shaking under the table. Looking up, she caught Luna staring
back at her over her shoulder. She was giving Evie a look that said, you got me. It’s on. Evie suppressed a
smile. It was difficult winning battles against Luna in court. And Evie hoped
that starting off with a win would set the tone for the rest of the trial. === “Your honor, the prosecution calls Samuel
O’Connor to the stand,” Luna said, standing in the center of the courtroom. Samuel walked from the gallery to the
witness stand and took a symbolic oath with the bailiff. He wore the finest
clothes he owned. For an unregistered living in a junkyard, that was tattered
jeans and an oil-stained sport coat he received from the donation bin in
Lilliputian Lakes. He wore no tie and just a faded black tee underneath. He had
combed his beard for court. Gray and white hairs interspersed between his light
brown ones. “Mr. O’Connor,” Luna said, walking up to
him with clasped hands. “Can you tell the court what you saw on April 20th?” “I saw her,” he pointed at Tricia, “and
some other girl stop the Scrap Shuttle on its way to the junkyard. She killed a
man.” “When you say her—” “The defendant.” “Is the defendant in this room?” “Yeah, I said that. Right there.” Samuel
pointed again at Tricia. “Let the record show that Mr. O’Connor is
pointing at the defendant, Ms. Tricia Adams.” Luna looked over to where the
court recorder would sit, but the area was vacant. Old habits from her mock
trial days. “Mr. O’Connor, can you explain how the defendant murdered the man
you saw?” “Objection!” Evie raised her hand. The
downsizers in the courtroom jumped up. Evie immediately regretted her volume.
“Excuse me. Objection, you honor. Leading the witness.” “Can you explain?” Judge Night asked in
her warm tone. “The prosecutor is presuming facts, not
evidenced in the case and draws conclusion by its own question.” “Sustained,” Judge Night said with a
simple nod. She turned to Luna. “Counselor, please rephrase.” Luna stood frozen, looking at Evie. That bitch, she thought with a flurry of
giggles in her mind. Somebody has been
studying! “Mr. O’Connor,” Luna said. “What happened
after the vehicle was stopped?” “The defendant made everyone get out of
the bus. I don’t know what she said. I was far away. But the other girl with
the defendant stomped on the ground. I don’t know why. But then I saw the
defendant pick up some fella. She put him in her mouth and swallowed him.” There were gasps from the jury box. Luna
nodded and walked towards them and continued asking the witness questions. “Are you positive, Mr. O’Connor? You saw
the defendant eat a downsizer?” “I did.” “Did you report the crime?” Samuel let out a chortle. “Report to who?
Everyone is unregistered on that bus. DPS won’t do shit and neither would
anyone from Lilliputian Lakes.” “Why won’t anyone follow-up on the murder
of an unregistered?” “Objection! Relevance,” Evie said from
her seat. “Overruled,” the judge said. “Please
answer the question.” “Nobody cares about unregistered
downsizers. We’re not protected under the law and ignored by both humans and
registered downsizers. I ain’t gonna waste my breath reporting this when no one
cares. The mayor set all this up, by the way—” “That’ll be all.” “—he knew that bus was vulnerable and who
was on it.” “Mr. O’Connor, I would like to move on.” “Well, you asked!” He became agitated in
his seat. “After you saw the defendant eat the
victim, what happened next?” “The girls divided the unregistered
folks. Put them in their backpacks and left.” - Evie looked over at her notes while
Tricia trembled in the seat next to her. Tricia replayed the scene over and
over in her head. Lin stomped on the man with crutches. Then, because of that
peer pressure, one-upped Lin by swallowing that man that looked like Mateo
whole. She buried her face in her hands and sniffled. If only there was a time
machine, she’d go back and slap sense into her former self, yell at her for
being so careless and not seeking treatment earlier. Evie patted Tricia’s back and whispered,
“It’s okay.” Tricia shook her head. She just wanted to downsize and get it over
with. This was a colossal waste of everyone’s time when she, and everyone, knew
she was guilty. “Mr. O’Connor,” Evie spoke from her seat.
Standing and walking around wouldn’t work for questioning. “The prosecution
interrupted you when you brought up the mayor. Care to complete what you were
saying?” “Objection!” Luna jumped to her feet and
held a finger high. “The witness’s statement regarding the mayor of Lilliputian
Lakes goes beyond the scope of the trial.” “Your honor,” Evie said, “the witness’s
statement is not only necessary to understand the bus incident but can also
show that my client was manipulated or coerced into the situation.” Judge Lillian Night leaned back in the
plump executive chair that Beth sourced from a downsizer furniture store.
Lillian considered the words from the attorneys before speaking. “Overruled.
The witness will answer the question.” Luna spun around and gritted her teeth as
she sat back down. “Everyone here knows Mayor Pearson uses
unregistered for cheap work at the Lakes. We also know not to cross his path
unless you want to magically disappear.” Several people in the jury box nodded in
agreement. He continued. “No human should’ve known
about the Scrap Shuttle. Not even folks at the Lake know about it. Just me and
the people in the junkyard know about that bus. Somebody must’ve told the girls
about the bus and what an easy target they was—” “Objection.” Luna stood up again.
“Speculation.” “Sustained.” Undeterred, since the damage was done,
Evie continued and asked, “How long have you lived at the junkyard?” “Two years.” “Have you ever witnessed the Scrap
Shuttle being intercepted by humans in that time?” “Nope.” “Have you known friends or neighbors that
have witnessed the bus being intercepted by humans?” “Nope.” “How did this bus interception make you
feel?” “That somethin’ fishy was going on.” “You claim you saw someone with the
defendant. Can you describe her?” “Asian girl. Same age.” “What was her involvement in the bus
interception?” Evie asked, leaning her head in for the answer. “She looked like the leader. She stuffed
the bus in her car before they messed with the other downsizers.” “Did you hear what this other girl told
my client?” “Nope.” “Why not?” “I was too far away.” “Well, how far were you?” “I dunno. 50 feet?” “In human units?” “Yeah.” Evie played with another pencil in her
hand as she continued her questioning. “When you observed my client, was she
facing towards or away from you?” “Away.” “Her back was towards you?” “Yeah.” “But from a distance that you couldn’t
hear two giants talking, and with my client’s back towards you, you can
positively claim she swallowed someone?” “I … Sure.” “Were you able to observe her throat when
she swallowed?” “I guess not with her back to me.” He
fidgeted in his seat. “You saw her put a downsizer in her mouth
from your vantage point?” “Yes.” “Can you confirm, from that vantage
point, from that angle, that my client definitively swallowed a downsizer?” “I …” Samuel glanced over at the jury,
who eagerly anticipated his answer. “I didn’t physically see a downsizer go
down her throat, okay? But that fella she put in her mouth never came out.” === “How do you know the defendant?” Luna
asked. “She’s my girlfriend.” Kamila looked up
at Tricia with a smile. “When did you first meet the defendant?” “I … I was on the Scrap Shuttle.” “And where was the defendant?” Luna had
her arms crossed. She could hear Evie nervously tapping her pencil. Evie’s
nervous tick gave her hand away. “She was out on our road. She stopped the
bus with another woman.” “Please describe the events, beginning
when she stopped the bus.” “We got out. I, um …” It was the most terrifying experience of
Kamila’s life up to that point. She was near humans after getting forced
downsized in that college scam. Running around an airport, trying to survive.
But never had humans ever entrapped her like that before. And by a pair of
bratty high school girls no less. “Take your time. I know this is hard,”
Luna said. “The girls made us line up. They wanted
us because we were unregistered. They knew about us, that they could do
whatever they wanted with no one caring about us.” A loud whimper rang out throughout the
room. Tricia gasped as she covered her mouth with her right hand. Her eyes
became faucets as two streams of tears came pouring out. Evie reached out and
grabbed a couple of tissues for Tricia from her bag. Tricia cried softly with
eyes shut tightly, hardly stemming her tears. Murmurs from the gallery were like a haze
in the courtroom. In the human section, Beth reached her hand out and found
Hazel’s on her lap. She interlocked her fingers and gave them a squeeze. It
pained Beth so much that the junkyard downsizers were suffering in silence. She
wished she could’ve scooped them earlier—and to hell with the mayor’s
stranglehold on their lives. She begged Sofia to give her just one minute with
that rotten scumbag. Hazel looked over at Beth, whose eyes
were laser focused on the miniature courtroom below them. Hazel then looked
over Tricia, studying her reactions, trying to determine if they were genuine
or just an act. They were genuine. Hazel squeezed Beth’s hand back. She thought
about Kamila and what was expected of her, to testify against her own
girlfriend. She and Emma couldn’t do that. They’d marry before it came to that. “The other girl. She crushed a man in
crutches.” Kamila sniffled, a lump growing in her throat. “He couldn’t move
fast enough, so she killed him.” “Then what happened?” “Tricia and the other girl talked. I
don’t remember what about.” Luna expected more, but Kamila was being
terse with her answers. “Please keep going. What happened next?” Kamila shook her head. “You have to tell the court what you
saw.” “Tricia … she killed a man.” “How?” “She ate him.” Luna turned to the jury to punctuate
Kamila’s own words but was disappointed to see half of them turned, facing
Tricia. The human was crying worse than before. This wasn’t the effect Luna
wanted. “Did the defendant offer any explanation
or motive to murder the man?” “I don’t remember exactly what they said.
But I think the other woman pressured Tricia through her words.” Luna groaned internally. Not the answer
she expected. “Where were you when the defendant left the scene?” “In her backpack.” “How many, if any, downsizers were in the
backpack with you?” “Two others.” “Why were you all in the backpack?” “Tricia took us.” “Why did she take you?” “I was in my nurse uniform. She guessed,
correctly, that I was a nurse. She wanted me because she wanted me to take care
of her father.” “What ended up happening to the other two
downsizers in the backpack?” Kamila shrugged. “Ended up in her room.” “I mean, where are they today?” “They’re not alive, okay!” Kamila’s
nerves were rattled. “And why aren’t they,” Luna said, walking
towards Kamila on the witness stand without blinking an eye, “alive?” “Tricia killed them.” “How did the defendant kill them?” Luna
raised her voice to match Kamila’s. “She ate them, too!” “Are you telling this court that you
witnessed the defendant brutally murder three unregistered downsizers, all in
the same manner, by eating them?” Kamila shut her eyes and nodded. “That’s
what I said, yes. Please stop this.” Luna didn’t stop. She had to keep the
momentum going. “Why would Ms. Adams want a nurse for her father?” Kamila bowed her head heavily. “He was
sick.” “Please explain in detail. How was he
sick?” “He was missing a leg and suffered from
poor circulation. He was in pain, everyday, because he only had over the
counter medication. He suffered so much. I miss him! I miss him!” “Do you know why he was missing a leg?” “Tricia said there was an accident. Years
prior.” The details went on with Luna’s
relentless questions that probed Kamila from many angles. She found no way of
suppressing or glossing over the truth. Luna squeezed everything from Kamila.
How Tricia kidnapped her father. How she kept him imprisoned in her bedroom,
leading to him losing his registration status. Her stepping on Steve’s leg,
leading to its amputation. Before long, Kamila was talking about
Melissa and her sizeist worldview. Luna worked the questions to paint Tricia as
a serial downsize kidnapper and murderer with anti-downsizer prejudices gained
from her mother. It showed the motive and Tricia specifically picking on
unregistered downsizers for her crime. Kamila felt battered by the end of Luna’s
questioning. She didn’t want to say any of it. She wanted to protect Tricia and
successfully managed to keep a lid on the torture Tricia subjected her towards. Anytime Kamila tried to bring up Tricia’s
mental state, Luna stopped her and moved to another damning question. It
frustrated Kamila that the court was only hearing this side of Tricia and not
getting the complete picture. - Evie dreaded following Luna after her
fantastic, yet brutal, questioning. Luna set out to make Tricia look like a
monster as promised in her opening statement, and Evie was afraid she might’ve
done that. She could sense Luna’s smugness permeating from that table she sat
at while drinking a cool glass of water. Tricia’s tears had dried, but her anguish
remained as she sat in her seat without making so much as a peep. The
judgmental stares coming from the jury, the downsizers from the gallery, and
the humans to her right cut deep. Ironically, at that moment, Tricia felt
small. Evie drew lines on her notepad,
connecting talking points and finalizing her strategy for Kamila. Satisfied
with a loose plan in her head, she took her shot. “You mentioned Tricia’s father was taking
over-the-counter medication for his injury.” Evie looked up from her notes and
locked eyes with Kamila. “As a nurse, what concerned you most about his care?” Kamila appreciated Evie’s warm tone. She
hardly knew the human but enjoyed her presence from the moment they first met.
“Everything. He needed antibiotics, prescribed pain medication, wound care,
physical therapy—” Kamila lost her breath. “Sorry. Steve … he suffered so much
in his last days.” “And did the defendant seek your help for
her father?” “Yes. She was desperate to help him.
She’d been trying to nurse him back to full health since she was fourteen.
Because Steve was unregistered, and because of her mother, she couldn’t take
her father to a downsize hospital. Steve relied on Tricia completely for his
care and shelter.” “Fourteen,” Evie said, letting the words
hang in the air as she looked at the jury. “Practically a child caring for her
downsized father in secret, while living with a mother who—" Evie stopped
herself and looked back at Kamila. “How would you describe Melissa Adams’s
attitude towards downsizers?” "Demonic!" Kamila leaned
forward. "The nightmare stories downsizers hear humans doing—that’s
Melissa!" "What was Melissa Adams's
relationship like with her downsized husband?" "Hateful. I saw her …" Evie leaned in closer over the miniature
courtroom. Her upper body rolled over their heads like thick storm clouds
passing through a grassy prairie while her silky brunette locks enveloped them
in shadows, the way a heavy downpour blocks the sun. On her notepad, Evie
crossed the words Steve’s murder,
intending not to bring up the subject with Kamila. But Evie had to undo the
damaging imagery she painted for the jury regarding Tricia. The jury and the
court had to know the type of household Tricia grew up in, if they were to
better understand Tricia. "Saw her what?" Evie said
softly, her voice filled with empathy. "What did you see Melissa do?"
"She … she killed him!" Kamila
forced out. And then, hardly above a whisper, she said, "She killed
Steve." "And you saw this?" Evie asked,
keeping her composure over the gallery. "Can you tell us what you
saw?" Kamila let out a tense breath. The
imagery of Steve's murder forever seared into her mind. "Melissa snuck into Tricia's room
when she was at school. Steve … he told me to run, so that Melissa would find
only him and not me.” Kamila whimpered. “Then she picked him up in her hand and
held him to her f-face. He tried to talk—to explain what he was doing
there!" Kamila shook her head solemnly. "S-she … she …" Kamila
broke down in tears, burying her face in her hands. Evie regretted pressing so hard. Not
because it harmed her case—it didn’t—but because opening this wound with Kamila
was too traumatic. "I think that's enough. We can move on to—" "No!" Kamila yelled, pulling
her tear-stained face away from her drenched palms. "Everyone needs to
hear this … Not for me. But for Steve Adams." Evie gave a simple nod in response.
Kamila took a second to compose herself, taking a deep breath before
continuing. "She crushed him in her hand,"
she said, sounding distant. "Her very own husband … the father of her
child. Like he was rubbish to her. Then she slammed her hand against the floor
with so much rage and hate. I-it was the worst thing I've seen happen to
anyone. No one deserves that, especially not Steve." Evie gave Kamila’s words a moment to sink
into everyone’s mind. She then stood up and moved her chair around the left
side of the courtroom, opposite end of where the jurors sat. No longer speaking
behind and over the heads of those in the gallery, Evie’s giant face came down
until her chin was right above the heads of the seated downsizers. When Evie spoke, she reduced the amount
of air leaving her lungs. From the perspectives of the downsizers, her one foot
six inch long vocal chords remained still. The resulting vibrating air passing
through her lips came out as a whisper, but to the downsizers it felt like the
rumbling coming from a cinema’s subwoofer. In a few words, her
peppermint-scented breath wafted throughout the miniature courtroom. Droplets
of her humid zephyr beaded on exposed skin, leaving a chill once the hot,
invisible fog faded. “No one deserves that,” Evie said,
pulling out a tissue and tearing a small square. Her gigantic hand reached out, her index
finger extended, handing Kamila the tissue. The tiny Polish woman leaned
forward and grabbed it, immediately bringing it to her nose. The downsizers in
the courtroom watched the exchange with sheer fascination. Some of them had
limited interactions with humans, and this exchange, though a little unnerving,
was captivating. “Do you need more time?” Evie asked. “No. We can continue.” Luna wanted to applaud the performance—at
first. But she doubted Evie or Kamila planned this the more she thought about
it. Kamila’s testimony angered Luna after learning about Steve’s demise at the
hands of his ex-wife. Luna really wanted to see either Liam or Evie teach that
Melissa a lesson. That
poor girl, Luna thought. No wonder she’s fucked up. She shook her head. She had a job to do,
regardless of what her beliefs were. A good debater and a good lawyer knew how
to argue positions they didn’t fully agree with. This court case was like that
for Evie. But a deal was a deal. Luna will make her arguments and let the jury
decide. “As a nurse,” Evie said, “did you witness
any concerning behaviors in the defendant during your early interactions with
her?” “Objection!” Luna jumped up. Her head was
back in the game. “Your honor, Kamila is a general nurse. She’s not qualified
to professionally psycho-analyze anyone.” “Your honor,” Evie said, “the witness is
a medical professional who works in a hospital and is trained to observe
abnormal behaviors for a doctor to assess. Because of this and her time with
the defendant, her observations are relevant to the case.” “I’ll allow it.” Judge Night gave Evie a
soft smile. “Please stay within the scope of your expertise, ma’am,” she said
to Kamila. “Tricia switched between extreme emotions
without warning. Gentle care for her dad and me, then violent yelling and cruel
threats in the blink of an eye. One time, she held me in her warm hands,
offering me a delicious meal while we enjoyed a show together, then she
threatened to drop me in a spider’s web seconds later. I recognized it as signs
of untreated bipolar disorder. The literature on the topic is clear: bipolar
disorder can be triggered in teenage years, often caused by trauma.” “Trauma …” Evie looked at the jury. “How
was the defendant behaving after
medical care?” “All the good moments I mentioned
before—that’s all I experienced with Tricia after receiving care. Tender care.
Warmth. Friendly. Funny! I fell in love with her.” Tricia took a deep breath and let out a
relieved sigh. She looked down at her girlfriend with both guilt and love that
made the jurors uncomfortable to see. The affectionate connection between
Kamila and Tricia was undeniable. Kamila continued with her answer and
said, “It was like me and Steve were finally meeting the real Tricia. Steve had
always believed his daughter was a good person and after treatment, I knew
exactly what he meant.” === “I was driving around in school with
Mateo next to me,” Emma said, sitting back in the witness chair. “I got lost.
Strange, I know. I took a wrong turn and ended up inside Tricia’s bathroom
stall while she was using it.” “And then what happened?” Luna had her
hands clasped, standing in front of Emma. “She thought we were peeping or
something. She got angry, rightly so, and yelled at us.” Emma rocked back and
forth on the chair, looking unconcerned about her testimony to Luna. “What happened, after she yelled at you?”
Luna took a step forward. “Oh, y’know, tapped her foot. I think she
was encouraging us to get away.” “And then?” Emma shook her head, like she was having
a hard time remembering. “More yelling, I guess.” “Did you leave the bathroom the way you
entered?” “Uhm, no.” Cracks in Emma’s tough girl
façade started to come out. “How’d you and Mateo leave the bathroom?” “In Beth’s hand.” Luna gave a wry smile, unsatisfied with
how difficult Emma was being. “From the time the defendant yelled at you, until
the time you were in Beth’s hand, what happened?” Emma sighed. There was no way skirting
this any longer. “She was mad, okay? Wouldn’t you be angry if someone came in
on you while sittin’ on the John?” “Answer the question! What happened?” “She threw us in the toilet ‘cause she
was mad.” “And then?” “Then? What? Beth pulled us out.” “Can you explain what you saw when inside
the human toilet?” “I …” Emma shook her head. If she
received these questions a month ago, she would’ve gladly implicated Tricia and
given the court the gruesome details. She hated Tricia then. But now … That
damn girl saved her life when she didn’t have to. “Her fingers reached for the
toilet handle but Beth stopped her before she could reach it.” - Evie struggled with forming questions for
Emma. “Ms. Kingsley,” Evie said, hesitating
before continuing. “What happened on Swift Tower?” “Mayor Dick Pearson had one of his
henchmen throw me off the rooftop. Thank God Tricia was there.” Emma turned to
the jury. “If she wasn’t there, climbing that tower to rescue me, I wouldn’t be
here today.” “And when you say, ‘Thank God’ for
Tricia, you’re speaking about my client?” “Yeah.” “The one you claim threw you in a toilet
and was about to flush it?” “Her hand reached for it. I don’t know
what her intent was. But yeah, that Tricia saved my life on that tower. And I’m
grateful she was there for me.” Silently, but moving her lips, Emma said, and I’m here for you. === “Mr. Rodriguez, what was your
relationship with the defendant before you downsized?” Luna rubbed her baby
bump while staring at Mateo. It distracted Mateo, thinking about his
half-brother or half-sister inside this strange woman. He met Luna and spent
time with her while under his mother’s control. He always thought Luna to be
friendly and a little too much. Her composure and voice during the trial made
him do a double-take, not believing this was the same woman that took him to
the downsized carnival. Mateo wondered about why his dad got this
woman pregnant? He wasn’t sure about the timeline, either. Did his dad wait
until after the divorce to impregnate Luna, or is his dad divorced because of
the pregnancy? And wasn’t Luna already married? Was his dad even alive? If he
got a downsizer who’s married to a human pregnant, wouldn’t that guy cream him? “Mr. Rodriguez?” The situation with his parents were so
fucked up. He thought Beth had it better with her forced downsized parents that
were held hostage for years and lied about it. At least her dad wasn’t getting
other women pregnant. Mateo pinched the bridge of his nose. He was going to be
a brother at 19. What was the world coming to? “Um, Tricia and I were dating.” “When did you stop dating?” “Uh, when I found out I was downsizing.” “Why is that?” “She didn’t want to be in a mixed-sized
relationship.” Luna drummed her fingers against her
belly. “Anything else you want to add to that?” Mateo shook his head. “Nah.” “Was Ms. Kingsley’s testimony about the
bathroom incident different from what you recall?” “No. She got it right.” “And when your ex-girlfriend threw you in
the toilet, what were your thoughts?” “Regret. We shouldn’t have been in there.
I don’t blame Tricia for her reaction, because I think any human would’ve done
the same.” “To clarify, you think any human would
have attempted to kill a defenseless downsizer who got lost?” “I never said that.” He looked up at
Tricia, who had a forlorn look mixed with lips curling inwards as if to say she
was sorry. “Tricia’s reaction to having her privacy violated by me and Emma was
reasonable. I didn’t know why she threw us in the toilet at the time. But now
that I know she had untreated mental health issues back then … Well, I’ve
forgiven her and moved on.” - “Before you learned you were going to
downsize,” Evie asked. “What was your relationship like with Ms. Adams?” “Pretty normal. We went on dates, hung
around a lot.” “Did you know anything about her
parents?” “No.” “What was her reaction when she learned
you were going to downsize?” Mateo fidgeted nervously. “Yeah, so,
that’s when I learned Tricia didn’t like downsizers.” Evie sat next to Tricia once more. Her
questioning of Mateo was casual and had a much different tone than Luna. Mateo
smiled up at Tricia and ignored his mother’s intense stare to his left. “What are your thoughts about the
bathroom incident?” “It’s funny to think about it now. Just a
lot of miscommunication going around. Like I said before, I don’t blame Tricia
for what she did. Emma and I shouldn’t have been there.” “What’s your opinion of Tricia now?” “She’s my friend. My good friend. We went
through some wild times together, but now that she’s getting treatment, she’s
an amazing person to be around.” “Do you fear being near Tricia as a
downsizer?” “Aside from my human girlfriend, Beth,
and my human best friend, Hazel, I trust Tricia most of all. She’s got my CoH
for life.” He looked at his mother, who looked stung. Before Evie could
continue, he said, “I’m still working on my trust with other humans.” === Sofia lifted her index finger off the
bible after swearing in, her intense glare on Luna never subsiding. She sat
behind the courtroom, opposite the defense team, and was the first human to
testify in the miniature court. Luna pranced forward, her right hand on
her belly, fingers drumming along like cascading water over rocks. Luna seemed
unconcerned about Sofia’s demeanor and dove right into questioning. The jurors
watched nervously as Luna stood up to the giant woman with some spunk. They established what Sofia did for work
and asked other administrative questions that set the stage for the DPS agent.
Sofia testified that Tricia admitted to three murders and the attempted murder
of Emma and her son. When Luna asked what the punishment was for the crimes,
Sofia said, “Forced downsizing and execution.” “If you weren’t the responding DPS agent,
how would another agent react to Ms. Adams’s confession?” “No change. If a human took the life of
multiple downsizers, we would execute them. Quid pro quo.” “Interesting.” Luna strolled towards
Sofia. Past the courtroom was nothing but the expansive surface of the table,
and Luna stopped at that edge. She looked back at the gallery and saw the
anxious eyes from the other downsizers look back at her. Luna looked back at
Sofia. The giant Latina wore a silky, light blue blouse that stretched tightly
over her breasts. “And the attempted murder? How would a DPS agent handle a
human who attempted to kill a downsizer?” Sofia closed and opened her eyelids
slowly. Was that meant for me? Sofia
wondered. She sat up high in her seat and interlocked her fingers, resting her
hands on the table. “A DPS agent would use their discretion.” “How would you,” Luna said, pointing at
Sofia, “punish a human who tried
killing a downsizer?” Sofia chewed on her inner cheek. She
didn’t try to kill Miguel. She was
venting! “Downsized and imprisonment.” Way back at the defense side, Evie sat
back with her arms crossed. She could’ve objected to the question’s relevance
but seeing Sofia squirm was far too satisfying to end early. “A human abusing their size difference,
placing a downsizer somewhere dangerous and pretending they’re gonna kill
them—what kind of punishment would a DPS agent bring forward then?” Sofia sighed uncomfortably. She closed
her eyes before rolling them. “That human will suffer.” She opened her eyes and
looked at Luna, not with malice, but regret. Her voice no longer carried its
characteristic confidence but was instead hollow and bereft. “They would lose
their livelihood … their friends. Family would turn on them. They’ll suffer a
lifetime of being ostracized by the people they love most … Trust—forever
broken.” - “Do DPS agents ever give a criminal human
a chance at reformation?” Evie asked. For questioning Sofia, Evie stood on her
feet, off to the side, diagonally across the miniature courtroom. Her high
heels defined her calves and elevated her perky ass above the table for all to
see. The downsizers in the courtroom were caught in the middle no-man's-land,
between the intense stares of the giantesses. “You know we do not.” “What are your thoughts on reformation
and punishment?” Sofia crossed her arms. “They both have
their place. It depends on the person, the circumstances, the crime—” “How are DPS agents, such as yourself,
equipped to make such a call?” “Experience, I guess.” “How would a DPS agent determine the
mental stability of the accused? Sofia shook her head. “We don’t.” “How would the mental health record of
the accused impact the punishment of the accused?” Sofia looked at the tiny jury members.
“It depends, I guess.” Evie stepped closer to Sofia, her thigh
accidentally bumping into the table, causing all downsizers to jump in unison.
“Describe your interaction with my client immediately after she came out of
Lilliputian Lakes.” “I grabbed her and wanted to downsize
her.” “For what reason?” “To punish her for what she did to my
son.” “And were you aware of her mental health
at the time of the crime?” Evie’s voice rose. “Did you even talk to your son
about the alleged crime? Did you get the full story, or were you so focused on
punishment that you saw my client as a faceless criminal, that the only way to
right the violence—is with more violence!” “Objection!” Luna jumped up. Judge Night pounded on her gavel.
“Everyone, calm down,” she said in an even tone. “No need to get emotions
worked up.” Evie’s eyes never left Sofia for a solid
minute. She then straightened up and tapped on the table as she pondered her
next questions, the rappings reverberating underneath everyone’s feet. “As
Mateo Rodriguez’s mother, how has your perspective changed, if at all, since he
gave his testimony?” Sofia nodded and then looked at the tiny
jurors. “It’s changed … a lot. Sometimes I act on emotion first because that’s
the type of mom I am. Aside from this one time with Tricia, I've been working
on taking a breath and thinking things through before acting. After hearing
from my son, I understand things better.” “Please elaborate.” “My son has no problem with the way
Tricia acted. If he doesn’t have a problem, I don’t. Then, learning about
Tricia’s mental health, her father, and the type of household she grew up in
with her mother …” “And so, based on being an agent and a
mother, what do you think Tricia needs now?” “Objection!” Luna said. “Counselor is
asking for an opinion.” “Overruled.” Judge Night said. “I would
like to hear this. You may continue, Agent Rodriguez.” “Help.” She looked up at Evie with eyes
and an expression that conveyed she truly meant what she said. “She needs help
that the DPS isn’t and has never been equipped to provide.” “In your opinion, do you think the
defendant poses any threat towards downsizers now that she’s on treatment?” Luna bit her lip. She wanted to object,
but she knew the judge would overrule it again. Sofia shook her head. “I do not. She knew
she’d get into trouble walking inside Lilliputian Lakes as a human—but did it
anyway to rescue my son and Emma. Someone who wants to harm downsizers would’ve
never done that.” Evie looked over at the judge. “No
further questions, Your Honor.” === The very second Judge Night struck her
gavel, dismissing the court to lunch, Kamila sprang from the gallery and ran
towards Tricia. The human girl picked up her girlfriend with both hands like a
lily pad out of a still pond. They kissed on the lips before Tricia gave her
Eskimo kisses with her nose. Members of the jury watched as the odd
couple expressed unconditional love for each other. The nurse, five or six
years Tricia’s senior, extended her arms and pressed into her larger
girlfriend’s cheeks. When Kamila pulled back, she left a soft red indent on
Tricia’s skin. From the jury box, they couldn’t hear
what the tiny nurse was saying, but Tricia’s voice came loud and clear. “It’s okay. … No, I’m not mad at you!”
Tricia smiled widely as she gave Kamila a peck. “You did good. You did what you
were supposed to do. C’mon, let’s have lunch. I got some more of that kielbasa
you like.” - “We got time to hit the Sante Fe Grill,”
Sofia said, presenting her palm to Charles. Charles walked between the benches and
jumped into his girlfriend's palm. “What is it with you and those burritos?” “They’re fucking good.” She lifted him up
past her chest. “Mom?” Mateo asked, with his hands in his
pockets and shoulders tense. “M’hijito. Anything the matter?” She
squatted beside the table. Her mountainous mass zooming by Mateo at terrific
speeds until her eyes leveled off with him on the table. “Did you want to come
to lunch with us?” Her voice shot under the table. “No. Beth and I have plans to feed the
downsizers here.” He walked up to the edge of the table, his mother crossing
her eyes the closer he got. “It’s about what you said earlier. I’m glad you
believe in reformation over punishment. I’ve always been a believer in it,
especially after seeing it with my own two eyes.” His look suggested he was
talking about her. “Anyway, just wanted to say it’s nice having my old mom
back. I love you.” “Ay, m’hijo,” she said, almost crying in
joy. “I love you, too! I couldn’t have asked for a better gift than you saying
this.” “Sofia,” a downsized man in a hat and
oversized coat said. He tilted his head back and took his hat off from the top,
revealing his mature face and long black hair. “Miguel?” Sofia asked. “What are you
doing—” “Had to see it myself. The new Sofia Mateo has been talking about.” He
placed his hands on his hips. “Did you really mean what you said earlier? On
the stand?” “Yes. Of course!” “That’s good.” “Miguel. I’m sorry. I wish I’d never done
that to you. You don’t have to accept my apology or even talk to me. I just
want you to know I’m sorry and would never hurt an innocent person like that …
ever.” She pulled her face back and gave him a despondent smile. “I hope you’re
in a better place with Luna and the others.” Miguel chewed on his lips as he looked
away from Sofia’s doe-like eyes. “I don’t forgive you—not now. I think I will,
but the memory of—” “It’s okay.” Sofia’s eyes watered. “Take
your time. I’m just so happy you’re talking to me.” “We’ll never get back together, Sofia.” “I know. That’s fine. I’ve actually
started dating someone.” She pulled up Charles so Miguel could see. The heavy emotions between both men
occupied the space between them. Miguel felt sorry for the man, while Charles
felt a wave of jealousy that Miguel was married to Sofia for so long. They exchanged a few words, ending with
Miguel telling her he’s unblocked her from his phone. They said their polite
parting words and separated, Sofia holding her boyfriend close as she headed
out of the apartment. Miguel wrapped his arms around his son and caught up with
him. “How’s life with a giant girlfriend?”
Miguel asked his son. “Couldn’t be better.” Mateo stopped and
shrugged his shoulder so his dad would pull back his arm. “Dad, what the hell?
Why are you having a kid with a married woman?” Miguel sighed, ashamed. “I’m not having a kid. Luna and her
husband are having a kid.” “Huh?” “Liam is adopting the child as his own.
See, he and Luna can’t have kids given the size difference, so this is the best
solution for them.” “This is so—” “Weird?” “—weird. How in the world is Luna’s
husband cool with you getting his wife pregnant?” “They’re fucking weird.” They walked together while the downsizers
in the miniature courtroom broke into groups, talking amongst each other. Hazel
brought a cafeteria tray filled with downsized tables and benches. Sandwiches
and soup filled each table. In the center of the tray was a single strawberry
and six blueberries for the downsizers to pick at. Three human-sized dixie cups
lined the outer edge, filled with coffee, orange juice, and water. “Have you given that thought?” Miguel
asked. “Given what thought?” “I don’t know how serious things are with
your girlfriend. But let’s say you get along really well. Decide to marry. Ever
think about kids?” Mateo froze, his dad taking a few steps
forward without him. “Kids?” “Yeah.” Miguel turned to face his son.
“You’re not having any together biologically unless she downsizes.” “She’s not downsizing.” Miguel nodded and sighed. “I guess that
means I won’t have grandkids.” “Hello!” Beth’s giant face dropped from
the heavens, enveloping father and son in a curtain of her light brown hair.
“Are you talking about me?” She made a mocking, sad face. Miguel tripped over his heels and fell
back. Beth was … she was a big girl. Even for a human. Mateo helped his father
back up to his feet. “We were looking for you. Wanna have
lunch with my dad?” Mateo asked. “Oh, yes! And you can meet my mom and
dad!” Beth whisked father and son in one hand in one fell swoop. She stood up
straight and walked toward her village. - “You don’t mind if I eat tuna with
chopped onions—do you?” Evie asked. “Ooo! Wanna put some pickles on it? And
load it up with ketchup!” Luna said. Evie chuckled. They were on the couch,
with Evie leaning back, lunch plate on her lap and Luna sitting on her slopped
stomach. Evie strategically placed napkins over her clothes in case some of her
sandwich landed on her. “Those weird pregnancy cravings gettin’
to ya?” “Cravings?” “So, you think you’re going to win this?”
Evie took a large bite of her sandwich and set it back down on her plate. She
then tore off a little piece, offering it to Luna. “It’s totally too close to call. But
yes.” Luna grabbed the piece of sandwich. “I’m going to win big time, but I
feel sorry about Tricia at the same time. Imagine growing up with such a
horrible, meanie mother like that! You do have Melissa, right? I got some ideas
on what you can do to her.” “Melissa is under Tricia’s care.” “Oh, that’s even better! What has Tricia
done to her? I bet she stuck some pins and needles into her. Or maybe covered
her in glitter or glue-gunned gems on her. What has she done? Does she need
ideas? ‘cause I got loads of ideas. Fun things to try out.” Luna made an
audible rargh, as she bit into her
food. Evie shook her head as she nodded. “I
asked Tricia. Aside from other people watching over her mother, she just keeps
her in a cage like a prison cell. She doesn’t talk to her or torture her.
Melissa gets her food and exercise time like any prisoner would.” “What?” Luna turned around. “She hasn’t
had fun punishing her bigoted mother
for killing her defenseless dad? That’s … wait, why wouldn’t she?” “Tricia decided she won’t use her size to
hurt a defenseless downsizer. Even someone that you and I think would deserve
it.” Luna couldn’t find the words she was
looking for. She turned to see Tricia sitting in the love seat, having a
private conversation with Kamila. Luna felt apprehensive arguing against Tricia
now more than ever. === “My ex-boyfriend
was drunk and trying to have sex with me in the alley beside the house. I told
him ‘No’ so many times and in different ways. But he kept coming at me. I
didn’t recognize him. Probably because of how drunk he was, but it doesn’t
matter. He was awful! I felt so alone and powerless against him. That’s when
the defendant showed up out of nowhere,” Gabriela said, looking up at Tricia
with an appreciative smile. “Then what happened?” Evie asked, rolling
her pencil between her fingers. “Tricia stopped him! She made him promise
to never do that kind of thing to anyone ever again and then lowered him into a
trash can. With him out of the way, Tricia asked me if I was okay, and I said
‘Yes,’ and she was off. She walked through our party, making sure not to hurt
or scare anyone. Which, by the way, everyone at the party loved her! We wish
she could’ve stayed and partied with us.” - “You said she dropped your ex-boyfriend
in a trash can,” Luna said, walking slowly towards the witness stand. “Do you
think humans should be allowed to use their size against downsizers?” “No.” “So, you must agree that Ms. Adams
shouldn’t have thrown your ex-boyfriend in a trashcan?” “I don’t see that incident as the same.”
Gabriela turned her head towards the jury box. “Far as I’m concerned, Tricia is
an anti-littering human. She saw trash out on the street and then dumped it
where it belonged.” The jurors snickered. === “She helped me home!” Nia jumped up and
down on one leg, her other still in a cast, from the witness stand. “Hi,
Tricia!” “Please focus, dear,” Judge Night said
with a smile, loving the enthusiasm from the girl. “What happened next?” Evie asked. “We talked. She gave me a ride in her
hand and helped get my toys down from the roof. I’ve never gotten a ride from a
human before. It’s so much fun! Can you hold me later?” Those in the gallery and jury chuckled
softly at her cute question. Evie lowered her head, so that she didn’t tower so
high above Nia. “Sure, if your parents are okay with it.” They were sweating in the gallery, Evie’s
chin above them like the ceiling of a collapsing cave. “Why do you think the defendant did those
things for you?” Evie asked. “Because she’s a nice person! Nice people
do good things and don’t ask for anything in return. All Tricia wanted was to
make sure I was back home safe. And I’m glad she did! My armpits were hurting
that night because of my crutches. I’m glad she was there, because I made a new
friend that night!” Tricia smiled, lifting her head and
feeling comfortable for the first time with the looks from the other
downsizers. - “Is it true your friends ditched you when
they felt Tricia’s footsteps coming towards them?” Luna asked. “Yes.” “So you can say that Tricia was the
reason your friends ditched you, leaving by yourself with your crutches?” “I guess.” “Well, that means Tricia caused the
situation you were in. You were by yourself because a human was somewhere they
shouldn’t have been.” “I was alone because my friends didn’t
know who Tricia was. They were too quick to judge her and missed out on meeting
the perfect human.” === “I’m getting married next week … and it
was a bachelorette party … and we were going downtown to drink and party, you
know, whatever.” “How were you getting downtown?” Evie
asked the mid-20s downsized woman. Jane had bleached blond hair and wore
tight, casual business clothes. “We did the park ‘n ride with the gondolas
thing. We were, like, so smashed before we even stepped on.” “Anything happen on the ride?” “Heck yeah! The damn cables snapped. Oh,
it was an awful sound!” Jane covered her ears with both hands. She then took a
breath and fanned her face with her hands. “Sorry, I’m still getting nightmares
about the sound and feeling the gondola dropping. My girlies and I all
screamed. The other people inside were also freaking out, shouting for help and
even praying! Oh … my God, have you seen that 70s Superman movie? When Louis Lane’s helicopter has that accident on
the building is about to fall over?” “I’m familiar. But please explain.” “Well, there was literally nothing anyone
can do for us when the cables snapped. Even if the fire department was out
there when the accident happened, what would they do? It happened so fucking
fast—excuse my language. The gondolas flipped to one side and me and the others
smacked against the glass windows!” The entire room was on the edge of their
seats as they listened to Jane. “My face was against the glass like
this,” Jane said, planting a palm against her cheek. “I was looking down at the
darkened river and saw my life flash before my eyes. My fiancé Alan …” Her
energetic speech suddenly vanished. The words passed with great difficulty
through her throat as she began to cry. “My life was barely getting started …
and I thought I would never see him or my family again. My sister was by my
side! If we died then, my dad and mom would lose both their kids in one night …
I just … I couldn’t.” Jane sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes. The room was dead silent. “Then … like that fucking superman movie,
Tricia comes out of leftfield and grabs hold of the gondolas or wires or
whatever. I’ve never been happier to see a human in my life! I couldn’t see
everything happening from the inside, but I could tell Tricia was struggling to
grab hold of all three cars. But she did it! She didn’t have to, but she did!
Tricia is why I’m alive! She’s why I’m here right now.” Jane pointed at herself
while looking at the jury. “She’s the reason why we’re having my wedding next week
and not my funeral. I thank God every day for bringing Tricia to Lilliputian
Lakes. Not just to save my life, but the lives of hundreds. I don’t give a shit
what anyone thinks about her past. All I saw that night was a savior.” Jane took a breath after her impassioned
speech. The jurors glanced at the witness and then at Tricia. More confusion
entered their mind of what kind of person Tricia was. “Anything else you would like to add?”
Evie asked after a moment of silence. “Yes.” Jane pulled out a pink envelope
from her pocket. “I am inviting Tricia to my wedding next week in Lilliputian
Lakes.” A few gasps rang out in the courtroom. Jane said, “And I will not accept
anything but a ‘Yes’ from my superhero!” - Luna stood up when it was her turn to
cross-examine Jane. “Um, judge … no further questions.” === “Judge Night, we call Stuart Vandergriff
to the stand,” Evie said. She turned to Tricia and gave her a pat
on the back. These rounds of witnesses were crushing it for Tricia. What Evie
saw privately in Tricia was finally going on the record for all to see. It also
made her wonder about the future of the DPS. How many Tricias has the DPS been too quick to judge? How many innocent
lives have they ruined or ended? These questions didn’t sit well with Evie, and
she was determined to make positive changes at the DPS when this was over. “Judge, may I approach the bench?” asked
Lilliputian Lakes’ Fire Chief. He stood up from the gallery, dressed in his
formal uniform with his cap under his pits. “We are in the middle of questioning,”
Judge Night said. “It’s about the witness.” Lillian nodded and waved for him to
approach. Tricia sat up, alarmed. “What’s going
on?” she whispered to Evie. “I don’t know.” Tricia’s eyes looked around the gallery
for Stuart. She couldn’t find him in the crowds. A grotesque ball of despair
formed in her stomach. Tricia craned her neck over and to the side. All the
downsizers in the gallery looked back up at her. One by one, Tricia scanned
their faces. Where was the man she rescued from the side of the building? The
man she rescued from certain death? “Where is he?” Tricia asked louder. “Tricia, give it a moment,” Evie said,
patting her leg under the table. Judge Night nodded and dismissed the fire
chief after speaking to him privately at the bench. He went back to the gallery
to sit down. Tricia frantically looked around, expecting to see Stuart standing
up and walking to the witness stand at any moment. Judge night said, “Please call your next
witness, counselor.” Evie’s mouth was halfway opened when
Tricia spoke up, addressing the court for the first time. “Hang on! Where’s Stuart?” “Mr. Vandergriff will not be joining us
today,” Judge Night said. “I’ve been informed he was successful with his plans
for suicide. He passed away early this morning.” Tricia flinched back, her mouth
opened—shock etched in her face. Both her hands rested on the edge of the table
as she processed what she heard. Words formed in her mind but nothing came out.
She looked at Evie and silently begged her to say something. To reveal this was
a mistake or even staged to see how she would react. “Do you need a moment, Tricia?” Evie
asked. Tricia looked back down at the judge,
then darted to the fire chief, who was taking her seat. “Is this a joke?” Tricia’s eyes couldn’t
focus on any single thing. “Where’s Stuart? Bring him out; this isn’t funny.” “I’m afraid he died by suicide,” Lillian
said. “No!” Tricia held out her hands, palms
facing the court, and her eyes shut hard. “Don’t lie. He’s not dead! I talked
him out of it, remember? I held him in my hands and told him he had a life
worth living.” Tricia opened her eyes, blurry with tears. “He said he’ll call.
I was going to take care of him. Here! In Beth’s Village!” She was shaking. “I think we should break for recess.”
Judge Night picked up her gavel. “Stop!” Tricia’s voice caused the
downsizers to recoil from the outburst. “He’s not dead. He wouldn’t kill
himself after the talk we had. After I helped down and said I cared for him …
Oh my God!” Tricia's face fell into her open palm. Evie grabbed hold of
Tricia’s shoulder, whispering something into her ears. “I held him! He was in
my hands,” Tricia cried out. “I shouldn’t have let go—I shouldn’t have let go!”
Tricia shook her head profusely before turning to Evie and crying on her
shoulder. Judge Night said, “I declare a ten-minute
recess. Counselor, please take your client to the adjacent room. - For the next ten minutes, the jurors,
judge, humans, and spectators in the gallery listened to Tricia crying her head
off from inside Beth’s bedroom. She expressed nothing but guilt for Stuart’s
death. A downsizer she knew little of. The man she thought she rescued … Inside, Evie tried to console Tricia on
the bed, but the girl was near hysterical. “It wasn’t your fault,” Evie said. “You
did everything you could!” “That’s the fucking point!” Tricia cried.
“I could’ve done more, but I didn’t. I never do enough! First my dad, then
Stuart. What the fuck!” She lost her voice. “Tricia, those things were outside your
control. You can’t predict these things. At those times, you did the right
thing and showed them compassion and love. You showed your dad the genuine
person you are inside. Stuart got a second chance from a human passing by that
could’ve ignored him but didn’t.” “It’s not enough,” Tricia said, both
somber and enraged. “I could do more and will
do more for downsizers.” Evie sat on the bed next to Tricia and
consoled her. Tricia’s mind kept replaying her interactions with Stuart. How
hard would it have been to stick him in her pocket? To place him in a padded
shoebox where he couldn’t hurt himself? To talk to him and build him up? But
she left him alone. The same way she left her father alone and defenseless in a
house with a psychopath. Evie lowered herself so she was looking
straight into Tricia’s determined eyes. “I know you can do more for downsizer,
Tricia. And that’s why we have to win this case.” === In a birdcage, about two inches high and
one inch wide, sat Melissa. The cage was a decorative ornament, meant to house
a toy bird and not an extra small downsizer. Melisa had her legs hanging
through the cage, her arms and head resting on the gilded bars. She felt her
cage rock and bounce as a human approached, walking into Beth’s Village and
finding her hanging high above. Hazel stopped in front of the cage so
that her eyes were leveled and a few inches away from Melissa. The one-inch
woman didn’t bother looking up at the human girl. “You’re up,” Hazel said. “I won’t talk.” “Maybe you should.” Her breath was enough
to knock back the cage and cause it to rotate gently like a wind chime in a
slight breeze. “A lot of the humans back there kinda want you dead. Only reason
they’re holding back is ‘cause Tricia told them not to hurt you. But trust me,
they’re barely holding back because of that.” “Humans?” Melissa scoffed. “I am human!
You can’t take away my humanity, my dignity without force! I will forever—” “Awesome!” Hazel said. “Use that energy
in court.” Hazel plucked the thin metal chain that
held up the cage. She twirled the wire around her index finger and then messed
with Melissa by making the cage swing. “So, I don’t want to hurt you. I’ve never
hurt a downsizer, to be honest,” Hazel said, turning to exit the room. “I know
Sofia wouldn’t mind squishing you like you did to your husband. Evie is a
pretty chill human, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she wanted to step on you.
And get this, Beth asked me if I think swallowing a one-inch person would be
easy. She made it sound rhetorical, but I know she’s thinking about eating you
alive.” Hazel lifted the cage closer to her eyes.
She said, “I think if you slightly piss off your daughter, she’ll give you up
to any of the humans in there. And I know they’ll fight for you, so they can be
the one to execute you. So, word of advice … don’t piss off your daughter,
yeah?” Hazel walked through the door and brought
Melissa to the miniature courtroom. She opened the front of the cage and tilted
it until she fell into Hazel’s open palm. In several swift moves that only an
expert handler like Hazel could manage, Melissa was seated in the witness
stand. Only her hair was disheveled in the process. Hazel took the cage with
her as she sat back down in her seat. “Ms. Melissa Adams,” Evie said from high
above. The petite, yet gigantic defense attorney chose to stand for the
questioning of the extra-small downsizer. “Can you tell the court how your late
husband, Steve Adams, passed away?” Melissa looked around the room. Even
surrounded by other downsizers, she felt small. Her seat was two times too
large, and her head barely poked above the box for the witness stand. She eyed
her daughter, tissue in hand, wiping tears from her cheeks and eyes. “The hell is the meaning of all this?”
Melissa shouted. “A trial? Downsizers don’t get trials!” “This is about your daughter. Accused of
harming downsizers and—” Evie couldn’t finish before the woman spoke. “Who cares! Seriously, who cares if some
roaches disappear?” “Ma’am, I need you to answer my questions
and not speak freely.” “Don’t fucking tell me what to do!”
Melissa stood up, not improving her height whatsoever. Her head barely poked
over the walls of the witness stand. “This make-believe trial you’re having is
a fucking joke. I know you don’t have the legal right to do this. This is
bullshit. All of it. Why are you even pretending you care about downsizers?” Judge Night struck her gavel. “Ms. Adams.
Please, answer only the questions given to you.” “Christ on a stick!” Melissa pointed a
bewildered finger at the judge while looking at Evie. “A downsized judge? Are
you fucking joking? What is this game? Seriously. Tell me.” “Did you kill your husband?” Evie said
with a louder voice as she stooped lower. “Husband? Don’t you dare call him that!
He was a fucking worm. A nobody like all these downsized vermin.” Melissa
looked at the jury. “You’re so obsessed with saving the environment and not
paying taxes, right? You all just want humans like me paying taxes and dealing
with the environment while you go live off in your fantasy world. Don’t get mad
at me if I took matters into my own hands. I’m helping the environment like you
little fucks wanted so bad. I killed Steve. Now you don’t have to worry about him
taking up valuable resources.” “Why would you kill a defenseless
downsizer?” “He should’ve been dead four years ago!” “Did you know your daughter chose to save
many downsized lives in Lilliputian Lakes?” Evie changed the subject, wanting
to show the jurors her wide-ranging hate. “Tricia, since when have you been acting
this way?” Melissa looked up at her daughter. “Why do you care about them so
much?” “Answer the question,” Judge Night said.
“Do not speak to the defendant.” “Fuck off! You have no right here. This
kangaroo court is meaningless—just like every downsizer here!” Evie balled her fist. Her lips pursed and
her skin became red hot. She took a step towards Melissa and was about to lift
her fist when Hazel’s hand came down and scooped up Melissa. “Sorry,” Hazel said. “But we’re not going
to get much from her, are we? Can I take her back to her cell?” She stood up
with Melissa balled up in her hand. Tricia looked on with disappointment and
shame painted on her face. She didn’t want her mother executed, but she also
didn’t want to play warden for the rest of her life. “Please do,” Judge Night said. “I think
the court gleaned enough from Ms. Adams. Counselor.” She looked over in Luna’s
direction. “Any objection?” Luna was enraged as Evie was. “None,
ma’am.” There was nothing Melissa could do to help her case. - “What the hell was that?” Hazel asked,
hooking Melissa’s cage back on the ceiling. “Even I want to hurt you now.” “Tell me you’re not holding a trial
against a human for hurting downsizers! I don’t even care if it’s my Trica—no
human can be in trouble for some lousy downsizers.” Melissa stood up in her
cage with her hands gripping to the bar. “Well, we are.” Hazel squatted slightly,
her hands on her knees, so that she wasn’t looking down at Melissa. “And it’s
about Tricia killing downsizers, not just hurting them.” “So? So fucking what? She shouldn’t be in
trial the same way I shouldn’t be in this goddamn cage.” “Too bad?” Hazel shrugged. “You have a
chance to not be a bitch, y’know? But if you don’t change, I can see your next
prison being inside Beth’s stomach.” “I’m not a downsizer! You can’t make
threats like that to me!” “You’re right. You aren’t a downsizer,
huh? I mean, downsizers are twice your height. And you’re definitely not human
because my pinkie finger is bigger than you. If you’re not a downsizer or
human, I guess that just makes you—” “I’m human!” “—food.” === Tricia’s doctor came through on a video
call on Evie’s cell phone, which she had propped up on the witness stand. Dr.
Honeybell played along with swearing in and answering Evie’s questioning. They
quickly went through his credentials and his medical treatment of Tricia. “My diagnosis of Ms. Adams when she came
to me was severe bipolar disorder with prolonged manic episodes.” “What is a manic episode?” Evie asked.
For the doctor, Evie sat in her seat and addressed him over the heads of the
downsizers in the gallery. “It’s a period of time in which the
patient experiences extreme mood elevation. They can experience everything from
extreme happiness to over-the-top irritation. In Tricia’s case, it was
grandiose thinking, leading her to believe she was superior to downsizers,
which affected her judgement.” Evie was back to fiddling with her
pencil. “How did her mood elevation affect her judgement?” “Bipolar mania distorts reality. During
her episodes, Ms. Adams experienced heightened impulsivity, reduced empathy,
and paranoia surrounding downsizers. But there’s more. Tricia’s mother, with
her extreme prejudices against downsizers, exasperated her mania and caused
this abnormal hatred towards downsizers. Then there was her father’s
downsizing, which likely triggered what we call a mixed episode—simultaneous mania and depression. It explains why
she could hold both hatred towards downsizers and become fiercely protective of
her father. I believe she was also seeing another downsizer she was fond of.
This is all to say that her upbringing, bipolar disorder, mixed mania
significantly impaired Tricia’s judgment.” “And after treatment began?” Evie looked
over at the jurors. They were intensely listening to the doctor. “The change was night and day! Medication
and treatment resulted in Tricia’s empathy returning. She began recognizing
downsizers as people.” He rubbed his chin. “But I believe the biggest success
was seeing her develop profound remorse for her past actions. Tricia was no
longer experiencing a break in reality during her manic episode and was seeing
things with newfound clarity.” “That is interesting. During the supposed
crimes, did Ms. Adams understand the wrongfulness of her actions during her
manic episodes?” “Not at all. Her mania and her mother
teaching her extreme prejudices over a lifetime created an alternate reality
where she believed all her actions were justified. Only after treatment—and I
saw this transformation with my own eyes—did Tricia comprehend the true horror
of what she had done. It explains why Tricia’s violent proclivities ceased, and
her benevolence and protection of downsizers began.” - “This sounds awfully convenient for the
defendant,” Luna said, walking up to the cell phone screen with the doctor
projected on it. “You’re saying that Tricia Adams couldn’t understand from
right or wrong, but she somehow hid her downsized father for four years? That
doesn’t sound like someone going through an ‘episode.’ Doesn’t that sound like
clear thinking to you, doctor?” Dr. Honeybell shook his head, the video
pixelating for a moment. “Not at all. It actually supports what I said.” Luna frowned. “Tricia hiding her dad and caring for him
while harming other downsizers demonstrated fractured thinking, which is
typical of bipolar disorder. She kept her father safe and under protection
because he was ‘different from the other downsizers.’ That is textbook
delusional thinking.” “Okay, well, why was she only attacking
unregistered downsizers?” Luna walked over to the jury box, most of whom were
unregistered. “By picking unregistered downsizers, it sounds like she
premeditated her crime.” Doctor Honeybell seemed unconcerned by
the questioning and had an answer ready for Luna. “Her actions reinforce the
severity of her condition. During her manic episode, she sought victims who
couldn’t seek help from anyone. That isn’t rational planning—it’s predatory
behavior caused by mental illness.” Luna laughed. “So, every human with
bipolar disorder is prone to targeting unregistered downsizers?” “Not what I said or suggested.” He sat
back in his office chair. “As I stated earlier, Tricia was going through a
perfect storm of situations where everything was stacked against her.
Prejudiced mother. Trauma of having her father downsized. Paranoia. Prolonged
manic episodes. Without treatment, her negative actions were bound to happen.” Luna grew frustrated. She tried to think
of something that would discredit the doctor’s diagnosis of Tricia. “Multiple
witnesses have seen Tricia commit murder. She picked on unregistered downsizers
and took steps to avoid detection. She clearly knew murder was wrong but went
through with it regardless. How can someone suffering from a mental disorder
commit crimes but also cover them up?” “Common misconception of mental illness,”
Dr. Honeybell said. “People can take steps to avoid consequences while not
comprehending the morality of their actions. She was in a different reality
when these crimes took place and knew she would be punished if found out. She
didn’t agree or understand why she
would get punished. But during her manic episodes, she thought deep down that
her actions were justified.” === “Your Honor,” Evie said, ready to end the
questioning phase of the trial and move onto closing statements. “The defense
re—” “Hang on!” Tricia turned to Evie. In a
whisper that everyone heard, she said, “You gotta put me on the stand.” “No, I don’t.” She shook her head. “You
don’t have to speak—and I suggest you don’t.” “Suggest all you want. I want to talk.” Evie glanced down and saw everyone’s eyes
looking back. She put her hand up to her mouth to mask it and spoke in a loud
hush to Tricia. “We are winning. There’s nothing to gain by taking the stand.” “It’s not about winning,” Tricia said. “I
want to talk!” “Is there a problem?” Judge Night asked. “No problem,” Evie said. “Do you call another witness or are you
done, counselor?” “We re—” “I’m taking the stand, Your Honor!”
Tricia said. “Stop!” Evie grabbed hold of Tricia’s
arm. “What are you doing?” Tricia yanked her arm back. She looked
down at the court and said, “If my attorney won’t cooperate, then I want to
represent myself. And no one,” she
said, looking at Evie, “can deny me my right.” Judge night nodded. “That is your right.
If you wish to represent yourself, so be it.” - The bailiff walked across the plain
surface of the table towards the young giantess accused of killing three
unregistered downsizers like himself. He felt the hair rise on the back of his
neck as he became enveloped in her shadow. With intense unease, he lifted the
bible, feeling it gain tremendous weight under the gaze of the giantess. Tricia lowered her finger, pressing down
on the bible, forcing it to sink in the bailiff’s hands. He swallowed a lump in
his throat. Her bare fingernail was larger than the book. Although she pressed
down on the book, she used little force. He could feel Tricia hovering her
finger there, intent on contacting the book and not letting go. When he
adjusted himself, lifting the book several inches, Tricia’s giant finger
elevated along with it. Like moving a boulder that was perfectly balanced on a
seesaw, he could feel the weight of the giantess’s finger while he moved it
with ease under the bible. “Do you swear to tell the whole truth and
nothing but the truth, so help you God?” “I do.” Tricia lifted her finger away
from the bailiff, seeing relief in his eyes as he returned to his spot next to
the judge. “You have the floor, Ms. Adams,” Judge
Night said. Tricia
nodded, but her eyes weren’t on the judge. She and the jurors were locked in a
dance with their gazes, Tricia’s stare switching partners as she went down each
person. Some avoided her stare, while others reflected it back. Some jurors
were intrigued, guessing the thoughts playing in the giantess’s mind. A few
jurors were unreadable, while several others displayed their emotions in the
open without suppressing them. “My name is Tricia Adams, and it’s about
time you hear the true story. Not this made-up shit people are trying to make
me out as.” Evie shut her eyes and cringed. “Everyone’s probably wondering if I hate
downsizers or not. Well, let’s see, I’ve killed downsizers, and I’ve tortured
them. I took care of my dad even though he was a downsizer. I loved him and
protected him the best I could. Kamila is my girlfriend, an unregistered
downsizer who literally changed my life. I don’t give a shit about her size. I
love her so much.” Kamila placed a hand on her mouth and
held back a cry. She didn’t understand what Tricia was doing and worried she
was going to torpedo her case. But the affirmation of Tricia’s love for her
under oath hit Kamila differently, and although she wrestled with multiple
emotions, she wanted to melt in her seat after hearing Tricia speak of her so
lovingly. “But maybe I do give a shit about size. I dumped Mateo the second I heard he was
gonna downsize. It reminded me of when my dad downsized, and I got so angry
with him. But when I saw that he moved on without me, dating another human, I …
I don’t know. I felt weird. Made me think I made a mistake. I was actually
jealous of Beth.” Tricia scoffed with an incredulous laugh. “Now, why would I, of all people, get jealous of a
downsizer and human dating? Now that I’m with Kamila—I get it. I really do. But
before Kamila, when I saw Beth in the cafeteria giggling with Mateo and having
a good time, I—” “Objection, Your Honor, but how is this
relevant to the murders and attempted murder?” Luna said. “Fine,” Tricia said before the judge
could speak. “I take it back. Better? You want me to talk about the murders?
That’s what I’ll do, then.” She stared daggers at Luna. Luna took her seat, unappreciative of
Tricia’s tone. “I killed them all,” Tricia said, her
eyes moving from the jury box and then to Evie. “It’s that simple. And no
amount of dancing around the topic or trying to excuse my actions is gonna
change that fact.” Tricia looked back down at the jurors. “I know the doctor
made the murders sound more complex than it was, and yeah, I was going through
some shit when it happened, but they’re dead. So, that’s all that matters. If I
didn’t fucking exist, they would still be aliv—” At that point, Tricia’s tough girl façade
shattered. She stuck the knuckle of her index finger in her mouth and bit down
as she cried. “I’m sorry,” Tricia repeated three times,
each successive time quieter than the last. “I don’t know why I did it. I’m not
a murderer—that’s not who I am.” Everyone in the courtroom was witnessing
a fractured mind. A mind Kamila knew all too well. “I figured if I ate them, I’d leave no
evidence behind.” Tricia sniffled once, removed the tear from her eye with one
finger, and went back to being serious. “The guy on the bus had to die because
my friend thought I went soft. I didn’t care about him. Kamila was in her
scrubs. I figured she was a nurse, so she was the only downsizer I cared about.
My friend and I divided the unregistered up. Again, I didn’t give a shit about
the others. I just wanted Kamila. When I saw Kamila giving my other two prisoners
more attention than she was to me, I got mad. So, I ate them.” The judgmental eyes came from everywhere.
Outside, the sun dipped lower towards the horizon, casting an obnoxious glare
through Beth’s living room window, diffused by a pale, gauzy blind. The light
came from behind Evie, making her facial expressions hard to discern in her
silhouette. But Tricia continued, not caring about
the hole she was digging. “Mateo and Emma. I was close to killing them. Sorry
guys,” she said, spotting them in the gallery. She closed her eyes as she
recounted the next piece of memory. “It was a weird feeling, seeing you guys on
the bathroom floor. For a second, I knew you were there by accident. And for a
split second, I wanted to help you.” She opened her eyes and looked up at the
ceiling. "Then everything went red.” Those who interacted with Tricia in
Lilliputian Lakes sat in the front row. They looked at Tricia with confused,
solemn looks on their faces. The old saying of, ‘Don’t meet your heroes,’ rang
especially true for them. Tricia caught their disconcerted stares. Under the
table, she fidgeted with her fingers. “Look, I’m sorry to you all,” Tricia
said, her legs bouncing up and down. “Thanks for trying to help me here today.
But I’m not the person you think I am—” “Objection!” Luna stood up. Tricia responded quickly. “Oh, object it
up your ass.” She rolled her eyes before looking back down at the people she
helped in Lilliputian Lakes. “You guys didn’t have to come out here. I
appreciate what you did, but I’m not worth it. That’s not to say you guys
weren’t worth it. You all are good people, and I’m happy to have helped. But
that’s the only reason I did what I did
in Lilliputian Lakes.” - “When you committed these murders,” Luna
said, walking towards Tricia as brave as ever, “were you aware what you were
doing was wrong?” “What kinda question is that?” “Please answer it,” Luna said. “No.” “You didn’t think murdering a downsizer
was wrong?” “Not what I said. ‘No’ to answering your
question. I won’t. Because I don’t know what I was thinking.” “Doesn’t it seem odd that you would feel
guilty for a crime, and you were cognizant enough to not leave evidence behind,
but don’t remember thinking, ‘Hey, this is bad, maybe I shouldn’t kill
defenseless downsizers?’ How does that work?” Tricia pursed her lips into two thin
lines and shrugged. “I don’t know.” Luna had her hands behind her back as she
paced in front of Tricia. “You had relationships with downsizers—your father
and Kamila—yet, you still chose to murder. How can you justify this?” “I don’t. Every single minute of my life,
I think about them. I scream at my past self and beg her to stop, but no matter
what I do, I see my old self murder—again and again.” “But why didn’t you seek help earlier?
Why kill three times?” “I. Don’t. Know.” - “You may step down,” Judge Night said to Tricia. “Excuse me, judge!” Evie said, raising
her pencil in the air. “Redirect? I would like to cross Ms. Adams.” Lillian Night nodded. “I suppose you
could. Granted.” “Redirect?” Tricia asked. “The hell does
that mean?” Evie got to her feet and stood in the
same spot when she questioned Sofia. Like a nun slapping a ruler on her palm,
Evie chewed on her inner-lips as she whacked the yellow pencil in her opposite
hand. She had a challenge ahead of her. Tons of work to undo the damage Tricia
did with her talking. “Maybe you don't remember your thoughts
during the murders because you were suffering a manic episode?” “Objection!” Luna cried out. “Withdrawn.” Evie exuded confidence as
she looked at Tricia pensively. “Whose idea was it to have this trial?” “Yours,” Tricia said, sitting back and
folding her arms. “If not for this trial, where would you
be?” “Mateo’s mom would’ve executed me by now
… probably.” Sofia shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
Evie and her locked knowing eyes for a second. “Can you explain why you helped
Gabriela?” Tricia furrowed her brows and shrugged
her shoulders upwards once. “Because someone was about to rape her.” “Why’d you help Nia? She wasn’t in
danger.” “She was far from home.” “Why’d you save those people on the
gondolas?” “Are you kidding me? I should’ve just let
them fall into the river?” “Well, why didn’t you?” “Because … I wasn’t going to let anything
bad happen—” “Why’d you rescue Emma from Swift Tower?”
Evie walked around the table, so that she was between the jury box and the
humans sitting on the sideline. “The girl you claim you tried killing in the
toilet. Why?” “Stop asking these easy questions!”
Tricia leaned forward. “Stop making me look like some kind of—” “Guardian?” “I’m not.” Evie cleared her throat. “Before
receiving treatment, did you have any hint you were suffering from bipolar
disorder?” Tricia had calmed herself. She answered
with a, “No,” flatly. “Can you describe the moment you began
feeling guilt and regretting your actions?” “After Kamila told me to see a doctor and
start treatment.” “I see. How do you use your experience to
protect downsizers?” “Protect? If you’re talking about
Lilliput, I was just doing the right thing.” Tricia leaned forward. “Okay, so,
I’ve handled my dad and Kamila. I know how humans appear to downsizers, and I
know my strength compared to them. I can be delicate when I need to be like
when I held Nia, and I can juggle a shitload of them like the gondolas. Okay,
yeah, I guess I am prepared to protect. More than some.” “What steps have you taken to ensure
you’ll never harm another downsizer?” “I’ll never fucking hurt a downsizer. I
won’t let my mom’s poisonous prejudices ever get to me again. Living with the
pain of my guilt is worse than you can imagine, and I’ll never forget about
those downsizers. Also, my meds and treatment have helped me not get so mad for
no reason.” Luna’s Closing Argument === Luna went first with her
closing. She stood up and began talking from her table, zigzagging towards the
judge before ending up in front of the jury. “Tricia Adams knew what
she was doing was wrong. Ask yourselves, why would she pick such a gruesome
method of murder, had it not been for the need to dispose of the body
discreetly? Why did she pick on unregistered downsizers? She came to the stand
and admitted the crimes. There’s no question she’s guilty. Are you really going
to believe a highly capable murderer was suffering episodes? A different
reality?” Luna rested her hands on
the railing of the jury box. “It could’ve been you. This case could’ve been
about your murder by the defendant. Wouldn’t you feel furious about the time
spent debating on her state of mind during the murders? No! I’m here speaking
for the victims who have no voice today. You’re here to make sure their deaths
didn’t happen in vain. Send a message to humans who see us downsizers as lesser
people. Find Tricia Adams guilty of premeditated murder.” Evie’s Closing Statement === Evie stared at Luna as
the small woman sat down. Luna blinked, thinking she had this case in the bag.
Evie stood up and adjusted the button on her blazer, heels clacking as she
stepped over to be directly in front of the jury. The sun was setting, and the
lights inside Beth’s apartment hummed. “There’s a young woman
starting the next chapter of her life next week. Another young woman finishing
her college degree, having survived an assault. It would take me a full day to
tell you the stories about downsizers, like you, who will live on another day
had it not been for Tricia. A young woman who performed her acts—not for the
cameras, publicity, or to look good for anyone—but because it was the right
thing to do.” Evie looked down at
Luna. “Let’s talk about mental illness for a moment. Did you know in our
country, one in five suffer from it? Of those, 60% will never receive
treatment. Zero. So, what do we do as a society when encountering someone
committing crimes because of their mental illness? Jail them? I thought we were
better than that.” Evie walked a few paces
towards Tricia and pointed at her with an open palm. “I’ve read in the American
Journal of Psychiatry that treating bipolar disorder can see success rates as
high as 86%! Yet, the prosecution would rather punish Tricia than cure her.
Downsize and execute instead of helping her. Evie paced throughout
the room, using her hands for emphasis during her points. “It baffles me how
the prosecution wants you to dismiss the case surrounding Tricia. A 14-year-old
girl, growing up with a prejudiced mother, a downsized dad, and mental illness
is not something to be dismissive of. Was Tricia a danger then? Yes. Is she a
danger now, after getting treatment? You heard from the citizens from
Lilliputian Lakes. What do you think? “The prosecution is
right about one thing—she committed those murders. But that unstable, untreated
teenager no longer exists. Who you see, over there,” Evie said, pointing at
Tricia, “is someone who’sd done more to protect downsizers in one night than most
humans do in a lifetime.” Evie placed her palms
together and pointed them at the jury. “You have the power to punish Tricia.
Downsize and execute her. But you won’t be doing that to the Tricia who
committed the murders. You’ll be doing that to the Tricia who has grown and
reformed. The Tricia who committed those heroic acts in Lilliputian Lakes. You
saw Tricia on the stand! She’s not trying to weasel out or deny her crimes. She
admits them and takes full responsibility for them. That is a sign of her
change.” Evie walked back to her
seat, but before sitting down, she had one last thing to say. “In this world,
humans like Tricia are a rarity. Ones who are selfless and put themselves aside
to help downsizers. It would be a shame to lose an ally.” Verdict === Hazel brought the jury
back after they deliberated for an hour. In that time, Tricia had spent time
with Kamila, talking and bickering about her taking the stand as recklessly as
she did. Beth spent time with her parents and Mateo, insisting she would’ve
done the same as Tricia in Lilliputian Lakes, if not more. “I think I should’ve
said more,” Luna said to Evie. “Too late for that!”
Evie grinned. The courtroom stood up
for the jury and sat back down. Hazel hid the carrier under the table and took
her seat with the other humans. “Has the jury reached a
verdict?” Judge Night asked. “We have, Your Honor,”
the foreperson said. “Would the defendant
please rise?” Judge Night said. Evie stood along with Tricia and
held hands by their side. “Please read your verdict,” Judge
Night said to the foreperson. “In the case of The Downsizer
Protection Services versus Tricia Adams, on the charges of first-degree
murder of three downsizers, we find the defendant not guilty.” Gasps let out throughout the
courtroom. Tricia’s eyes bulged and turned to Evie. Though they hadn’t
discussed what punishment each charge would bring, not being guilty of
first-degree murder meant Tricia wouldn’t be downsized and executed. The foreperson continued and said,
“On the lesser charges of second-degree murder, we find the defendant guilty
but mentally ill.” Tricia dropped her head in a bow.
Evie quickly placed her arms around Tricia’s shoulders to comfort her. Tricia
expected a guilty verdict but hearing it was a lot more different than
dreaming of it. Oddly, it’s what Tricia wanted. She committed the murders and
anything but a guilty verdict would’ve felt like a sham. A miscarry of
justice. “I’m okay.” She whispered to Evie as she raised her head. “On the charges of attempted
first-degree murder of Mr. Mateo Rodriguez and Ms. Emma Kingsley, we find the defendant
not guilty.” Both Mateo and Emma held hands in
the gallery and looked over their shoulders at Tricia, smiling at her in
solidarity. “On the lesser charges of attempted
second-degree murder of Mr. Mateo Rodriguez and Ms. Emma Kingsley, we find the
defendant guilty but mentally ill.” Tricia let out her breath pressure
from an air compressor. There it was. What she told Evie in the beginning. But
with her guilt being formal, Tricia felt different about it, like she could
finally move forward without people feeling sorry for her or having
misconceptions of her. “Foreperson, could you approach the
bench?” Judge Night asked. “Everyone else, we will take a five-minute recess.” - The humans held their respective
downsizers in their hands. Beth grabbed Mateo, Hazel took her Emma, and Sofia
held Charlie on her shoulder. Evie secretly scooped up Miguel and dropped him
in her lap. He slithered away somewhere under her skirt. Kamila and Tricia shared a moment
together with Kamila in her girlfriend’s palm. Kamila said she was relieved
that her giant girlfriend would remain a giant.
Whatever the sentence, at least Tricia will remain giant. Tricia gave Kamila a
kiss on her entire body. “Heya,” Luna said, walking up to
Tricia. “We don’t have much time, but I wanted to say, no hard feelings?” “None taken,” Tricia said. She moved
Kamila onto her shoulder. “You did exactly what I hoped you’d do. Um, sorry
about the ‘objection up your ass’ thing from earlier.” Luna giggled. “Girl, you had me so
confused!” Another flurry of giggles left her. “All those thingies I said
during the case was just Luna the Lawyer, and not who I am! I really,
really felt bad talking so rough about you. I totally get it, though. If I had
a mom like yours and all the peer pressure from friends, oh. My. God. I
wouldn’t know what I'd’ve done in your shoes. Hey, but as crappy as the things
you’ve done, I can see you’re a better person now. Not many times you see
people changing for the better. Hey, wanna hold me?” Tricia pulled her head back,
stunned. “A-are you sure?” “Yeah! I know a good human when I
see them!” Tricia placed her palm on the table
for Luna to climb on. Once onboard, Tricia lifted Luna up to her face. Luna
could feel the experience in Tricia handling of downsizers. Once the
hand stopped moving, Luna stood on her feet and pulled back her blazer and
shirt to show off her bare belly. “First time holding a pregnant
downsizer?” Luna smiled. “C’mon, feel me up! There’s a baby here!” Tricia swallowed nervously. That was
some trust from a prosecutor that called her a monster that very morning.
Tricia lifted her index finger and placed it on the baby bump. Luna grabbed the
opposite side, where the fingernail was, and pulled it close. She felt the
ridges of Tricia’s fingerprints against her smooth baby bump. “Whoa,” was all Tricia managed to
say. The nerve endings in her fingertip felt everything. It was remarkable to
Tricia—the miracle of life. Inside Luna was a baby, half the size of a grain of
rice. And Luna entrusted herself and her unborn to Tricia by standing
completely vulnerable in her palm. It was too much for the young giantess.
Tricia’s eyes watered in an instant and poured down her cheek. There could be
no other action by Luna that showed that not only did she trust Tricia but the
good she saw in her—like her father. “Thank you!” She sniffled. “Thanks for
everything.” - “It is time for sentencing,” Judge
Night said. “This is an unprecedented case and extraordinary to say the least.
Although we strived to keep this as legal as possible, we performed the trial
more based on trust than on any lawbook. Typically, a judge will look at the
minimum and maximum penalties for each crime you were found guilty of, Tricia.
But because those don’t exist, I take on the burden of sentencing you for your
crimes.” Tricia nodded, while Evie patted her
legs under the table. “However,” Judge Night said,
“because this is a non-standard case, it means I can take a non-standard
approach to your sentence, dear. I have invited the jury to help develop a
sentence for the Tricia we have in the courtroom today. That is, the reformed
Tricia who’s receiving treatment and shows nothing but empathy and protective
instincts for downsizers. It would do the world no good to punish her based on
barbaric, eye-for-an-eye style punishment for someone like Tricia. Therefore,
we have developed a sentence for Tricia that acknowledges her horrendous crimes
while balancing it for the person she’s become. Tricia Adams, please rise for
your sentence.” Tricia stood, and so did Evie. “Tricia Adams, you will have a four
part sentence: regular psychiatric evaluations as determined by your doctor,
continued psychiatric treatment, weekly check-ins with the DPS, and 500 hours
community service in Beth’s Village. The DPS will assign an agent that you will
communicate with so they can see your progress and ensure you’re not a threat
to downsizers. For the community service, Beth will be your warden and use you
in creating a community that will be a safe haven for unregistered downsizers.
Though you’ve taken three of our lives, we expect you to give back tenfold.” “I understand,” Tricia said, placing
a hand over her heart. “Even though you guys say 500 hours, I’m gonna help
downsizers for the rest of my life.”
Beth and Mateo
Beth’s Village™
Trial Prep
Pre-Trial
Prosecution Witness - Samuel
Prosecution Witness - Kamila
Prosecution Witness - Emma
Prosecution Witness - Mateo
Prosecution Witness - Sofia
Lunch
Defense Witness - Gabriela
Defense Witness - Nia
Defense Witness - Jane
Defense Witness - Stuart
Defense Witness - Melissa Adams
Defense Witness – Doctor William
Honeybell
Defense Witness – Tricia Adams
Rated: 🔴 - Sexual Themes and Violence
Word Count: 20821 |
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Table of Contents |
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Added: 03/16/2025
Updated: 04/05/2025
Story Notes:
Special note: Although the ages of the characters are not mentioned in this story, I want to be clear that all characters are 18+. This story has several arcs, and the arcs dealing with HS students refer to students in their senior year, months away from graduation.
Chapter Notes:
Heads up! You're looking at a 21K word chapter with no smut, haha. This
is the final full-length chapter before the epilogue. What a wild ride
it's been. Special thanks to author It Was Me for helping me write this chapter out and for helping me cure from m my comma addiction. And thanks to all the Boston Legal and Law and Order episodes for teaching me trial procedures. Ah, who am I kidding My Cousin Vinny helped a lot, too!