John trudged through the school hallway, feeling the weight of his now-expanded frame with each step. He clutched his backpack straps tighter, hoping to ground himself in some semblance of normalcy. The halls buzzed with the usual morning chatter, but today, it all seemed distant, like he was moving through a fog.
As he approached his locker, he saw Rebecca, one of the cheerleaders, struggling to open hers a few lockers down. She glanced his way, offering a polite nod. Rebecca was known for her sunny disposition, but today, she looked unusually frustrated.
"Morning, John," she said, yanking on the stubborn locker door. "Ugh, I wish I had more patience sometimes. This thing is driving me crazy!"
John felt a peculiar sensation wash over him. His heartbeat slowed, and a strange calmness settled over him. Simultaneously, Rebecca seemed to relax, the tension leaving her face. She gave the locker one last, gentler tug, and it popped open effortlessly. "Oh, finally! Thanks, John," she said, not knowing why she felt the sudden relief.
John just nodded, a bit bewildered, and continued on to his first class. As he sat down at his desk, his thoughts drifted.