Me: Can I have a quick word?
Nell: I’m sunning my paws.
Me: I know but I wanted to check you are coping.
Nell: What are you talking about?
Me: I realise my illness has meant things have been a bit difficult recently.
Nell: It’s only pneumonia.
Me: Well, thank you for the sympathy, Nell.
Nell: You are on the mend now anyway.
Me: You must have been worried though.
Nell: Not really. We all pulled together and provided excellent care.
Me: Dave’s care was a bit full on.
Nell: I asked David not to sit on you but he felt you needed him close by.
Me: Well, it was much appreciated.
Nell: Anything else?
Me: Not really.
Nell: Only my shift doesn’t start for a few hours. Harriet is on call at the moment.
Me: I didn’t realise. You’ve been a great comfort.
Nell: Yes.
Me: You still are.
Nell: I’m off duty.
Me: Sorry.
