Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In a period, electrons enter the same shell while the nuclear charge increases by one each step.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The stronger pull by the nucleus draws the electron cloud inward. The shielding by electrons in the same shell is poor. So the atomic size decreases from left to right.
Step 3: Check the options.
The size does not stay constant, does not increase, and does not first increase. It falls steadily.
Final Answer:
The size decreases, option (D).
\[ \boxed{\text{decreases}} \]