Me: Nell, can I have a quick word?
Nell: Leave me. I’m trying to rest.
Me: I know but…
Nell: It’s Sunday.
Me: I know it’s Sunday.
Nell: You never respect my day of rest.
Me: It’s just that I have some good news.
Nell: Let me guess. Dave and Harriet aren’t enough you want to have Fluffy now too.
Me: No, although we would have Fluffy if we could. But it is about the puppies.
Nell: Well?
Me: We are taking you with us the next time we visit.
Nell: You are? To my old home? The place of my birth?
Me: Yes. The breeder Eve asked to see you.
Nell: Dear Eve.
Me: But I’m afraid you can’t see the puppies.
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: They are too young.
Nell: You are taking me to my home and my relatives and I am not allowed to see them?
Me: But Eve really wants to see you.
Nell: What about the puppies? Do they have no say? Poor little things.
Me: They are fine, Nell.
Nell: Their own beloved aunt.
Me: They don’t know that, Nell.
Nell: They will know.
Me: Maybe it’s not such a good idea.
Nell: It’s ok. It will be nice to see Eve.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And I might catch a glimpse of the puppies from a distance.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: So near yet so far.
Me: Sorry.
