I'm Just Tall, That's All

Deborah was a youngster who found herself always out side of the group. Her age never determined what she was asked of her. Adults and children alike chose how to treat based on her height. She was given tasks and opportunities by that perception, not by her age. Her height made it possible for her to attend school before her fourth birthday. Her age got her expelled. She was sent on errands that most ten year olds were not trusted to do. She rose to the level of the task asked of her. Long before she was of age she was given responsibility for shopping and paying bills. She was a quick study and always wanted to help. She had learned to count, playing cards. She was trusted because she always brought back the correct change. Deborah consistently found herself forced to defend against the impression others had of her. Children did not like her popularity or that adults let her stay with them. Children were usually sent away from thee grown folk; when Deborah was allowed to stay. It never dawned on them she was still a baby. She was just tall, that's all.