Me: Nell, can I have a quick word?
Nell: Later. You’re disturbing Morning Thoughts.
Me: What are Morning Thoughts?
Nell: Every morning I encourage the twins to sit quietly and think about the day ahead. David particularly likes to sit in the sun, if possible, as he says it makes his thoughts happier.
Me: What about Harriet?
Nell: She just likes to sit near David.
Me: Do you talk about their thoughts?
Nell: It’s not compulsory. Some thoughts are not meant to be shared, but it’s a good way of dealing with any worries. Adolescence is a difficult time.
Me: I don’t like to think of the puppies with worries.
Nell: David’s are mostly food related. Will Poppy remember that he is a growing boy and needs larger portions? That kind of thing.
Me: And Harriet?
Nell: She wants everyone to be happy which isn’t always achievable.
Me: No, I’m afraid it isn’t.
Nell: As I always say: “If you want to be bouncy sooner or later you are going to tread on someone’s tail.”
Me: Very true. Has someone’s tail been trodden on then?
Nell: Yes. The Cat got in the way of Timothy and Malcolm’s Fandango. Pablo has been teaching them.
Me: Hold on a minute. Malcolm and Timothy are dancing? And who is Pablo?
Nell: Pablo is a Portuguese Podengo. He’s one of our waiters at the cafe. Malcolm thought he was Spanish and asked to learn the flamenco but Pablo said the fandango was far superior.
Me: So a flamingo wanted to flamenco but now he is doing the fandango?
Nell: Yes.
Me: With a turkey?
Nell: Yes.
Me: And they stepped on The Cat’s tail?
Nell: Yes. But Malcolm only has delicate feet. If it had been David it would have been a different story. Now what did you want to ask me?
Me: I’ve completely forgotten.
Nell: Typical. You live in a world of your own.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
