In 1987, a seismic fault underneath Phoebe's home leaked a strange gas through the foundation, causing her to shrink to 11 inches tall. Phoebe's been a kind, agreeable person her whole life. But social concern over her condition being contagious, and the secretive government presence in town led to her being isolated. After a year or being cast out, she makes an unlikely connection with Shelly, the original town pariah.