Having More Tests

Having More Tests

This time Petrach requested a fully-qualified doctor to be
present.

"It's not that I don't trust you Ms Pinkwhistle," he said to the
nurse, "it's just that I don't believe my son is shrinking."

"It is a little unusual," said the nurse.

Petrach wasn't sure if the nurse was referring to the asking for a
second opinion or to his son's shrinking state. However, he didn't get
chance to ask. The doctor entered.

The doctor was a medium-sized man who resembled a boil-in-the-bag
cod.

"Ah," said the doctor looking at Psigor from under his large square
glasses. "The incredible shrinking melon!" He said it like he was
playing a small part in a rather elaborate hoax.

Ninny and Petrach watched as the doctor took various instruments out
of his bag and applied them to their son. A number of these reminded
Ninny of something she had once on a programme concerning
phrenology.

Finally the doctor stepped away from Psigor. He took an excessive
drink of water, sat down on a hard chair and sighed loudly. The results
of the tests were obvious.

"What can we do?" said Petrach.

"In my professional opinion?" said the doctor.

"Yes," said Petrach.

"Well," said the doctor, "there are certain tribes in Africa made up
of very small people."

"I've heard of them," said Petrach, "but do they actually get
smaller?"

"That," said the doctor, "is a moot point but?"

"Yes?" said Petrach.

"I think not. Does your family have a history of this?"