Me: Well, you know I have been a bit down.
Nell: Yes, we discussed the situation and I was kind.
Me: You were.
Nell: I’m still waiting to know about that strange animal.
Me: He’s not a strange animal Nell. He’s a baby Labrador.
Nell: With mud on his head.
Me: He had Weetabix on his head the time before.
Nell: What do you mean “the time before”?
Me: I’ve visited him a few times.
Nell: What!
Me: At the stables where you were born.
Nell: What!
Me: He’s your nephew. Your sister Maisie is his mother.
Nell: Ah, just a family visit then.
Me: Sort of.
Nell: There is more?
Me: He’s called Dave.
Nell: That’s a ridiculous name. What was Maisie thinking!
Me: I like it.
Nell: Go on. There’s more. I can tell.
Me: The thing is…
Nell: Spit it out for goodness sake.
Me: He’s coming to live with us.
Nell: I beg your pardon.
Me: Dave is coming to us with…
Nell: With what? A fanfare?
Me: With his little sister Harriet
Nell: His little sister Harriet!
Me: Yes.
Nell: This conversation will continue.
Me: I know.
Nell: The days of kindness are over. Things will be said.
Me: Yes.
Nell: Dave and Harriet.
Me: Yes.
Nell: I’m expecting a photo of Harriet.
Me: I will post one next time.
Nell: I knew that.
Me: Of course you did. Sorry.