12 year old Lyra is a late bloomer, she stands at about 4ft 10in, and due to her young appearance and quiet demeaner, has trouble making friends at school. Her only friend is a 14 year old boy named Jeremy, who fills the position of friend and brother. Lyra is unable to run or play sports due to severe asthma, which alienates her even more from her peers. Lyra has always been afraid of growing up, she doesn't want to feel pain, and she doesn't want to hurt others.