Me: Wasn’t the tide far out that day, Nell?
Nell: Yes. We could almost walk to the island.
Me: Amazing. Symbolic even.
Nell: Good grief.
Me: Let the tide flow out and you too can reach your island.
Nell: What are you trying to say?
Me: I’m not sure.
Nell: Just leave all that to me.
Me: Yes. Probably best.
Nell: You often get like this at this time of the year.
Me: Philosophical?
Nell: No. Maudlin.
Me: I’m just mulling over life.
Nell: No. You are just thinking about getting older because it’s your birthday soon.
Me: I don’t like it.
Nell: Nobody does. But that’s the way it works. Personally I wear my grey chin with pride.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And Mutley’s white face is a thing of beauty.
Me: It is.
Nell: So let’s embrace the going out of the tide because then we can fully appreciate our island.
Me: That’s what I said.
Nell: It’s what you meant to say.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
