>>719741012
If you actually compare the sprites, Dess's silhouette is pretty close to Noelle's, the only thing that makes her appear short is the fact that she's sitting and you can't see her legs.
Like if you copy over Noelle's legs like the pic, they match up with where Dess's legs would've been.
Personally, I think Dess disappeared at the age Kris, Susie and Noelle are now.