S 249 words

After the party Ninny went and joined Petrach on the roof of the old
hotel. He was staring up at the moon.

"What is it with you and the moon?" she said taking her husband's
arm.

"People have been there," said Petrach, "and yet there is no
map."

Ninny squinted her eyes and looked up at the glowing orb. "But we can
see it," she said, "why would we need a map?"

"We can see this side," said Petrach, "but not the other. I want a map
of the dark side of the moon. It's a mystery."

Ninny laughed.

"What is it?" said Petrach.

"Your have a son who has been shrinking. Don't you want to know the
why of that and not worry about the moon?"

"Oh Ninny," said Petrach. "To every statement there is always a why.
As long as I can see what size he is I am happy. It's what I can't see
that I'm concerned about."

Ninny moved closer to her husband.

"So you don't mind having a son 249mm tall?" she said.

"It's early days yet," said Petrach, "let's see how it turns
out."

"But you said?"

"I said let's see," said Petrach.

And then they were both silent as they watched the nightly rocket make
its way to the moon.

Petrach wondered if anyone would ever make that map that he wished
for.

Ninny wondered if their son would ever grow.

And somewhere else Spoonitsy was up to mischief.

Fifteen years passed.