Something Feels Different

Tril bounced along the familiar bloodstream, his tiny arms clutching fresh oxygen bubbles. He loved these morning deliveries — the blood usually flowed smooth and steady, like a wide river with plenty of room to glide and spin.

But today, something felt different.

"Oof!" Tril bumped into Big Red, who was floating right beside him.

"Sorry!" Tril squeaked, trying to move to the side — but there was another red blood cell there too.

He looked around and gasped. The bloodstream was packed! Red blood cells floated shoulder to shoulder, almost hand in hand, squished together like passengers on a crowded bus.

"Why is everyone so close today?" Tril wondered aloud, his membrane brushing against his neighbors with every little movement.

A platelet zipped past, looking squeezed and uncomfortable. "It's been like this all morning!" she puffed. "There's barely any space to float!"

Tril frowned. The blood felt thicker, heavier. It wasn't flowing as smoothly as it usually did. Something was definitely wrong.

His curiosity fizzed like a bubble.

Where did all the space go? And why does the blood feel so crowded?

Tril knew he had to find out. This was a mystery — and mysteries were meant to be solved.