Me: Poppy has been waiting at the window for Chris since first thing. Harriet was so relieved when she heard he had landed.
Nell: Yes. You would know, of course, because you tracked Chris’s flight all night.
Me: Only now and again.
Nell: Kev and I clearly told you not to. You aren’t well and you need your sleep.
Me: But I had to know he was safe.
Nell: Ridiculous. Where is he now?
Me: At Paddington station having a sandwich from Barks and Spencer. His first in a year.
Nell: They are good. So when will he get to Totnes station?
Me: 11:50 am. We should leave here in good time.
Nell: Kev has everything under control. Did he get any sleep on the plane?
Me: Unfortunately not.
Nell: His room is ready so he can sleep when he gets home. Harriet thinks she won’t be allowed on his bed.
Me: But she will be, won’t she?
Nell: Of course. He’s her special person and she hasn’t seen him since she was a pup of six months.
Me: Yes, he will notice a change.
Nell: I’m afraid David is planning on joining them too. He has a new pair of pyjamas.
Me: He will definitely notice a change in Dave. He takes up half the bed on his own. It’s like sharing a bed with a pony.
Nell: Poppy is expecting cuddles and Mutley is always by Chris’s side. I shall look in on him now and again just to check.
Me: The bed will be full of dogs.
Nell: It’s Chris we are talking about here.
Me: Yes, fortunately.
Nell: Now, drink your tea and try and rest. Only a few hours to go now.
Me: My boy is coming home.
Nell: Our boy.
Me: Yes. Sorry.