Me: So, how is it all going with the owl hats?
Nell: Quiet. Mutley is reading the puppies their Morning Story. It’s Harriet’s favourite time of the day.
Me: What is he reading?
Nell: Peter Pan. Everyone is awfully worried about Tinkerbell.
Me: Gosh. I remember that. Clap your hands if you believe in fairies.
Nell: Personally I find it hard to believe.
Me: What? That there are fairies?
Nell: Of course not. That anyone would think there aren’t.
Me: True. But some people are sceptics.
Nell: Their loss. David sees himself as Peter, of course, and Harriet as Wendy. Malcolm and Timothy want to be John and Michael.
Me: How are Malcolm and Timothy, by the way?
Nell: Absolutely fine. In the best of moods. The Beefies were terrified of the owl hats. They flew off as soon as they saw them shouting: “Owl. Owl.”
Me: Brilliant.
Nell: Yes. We are all very pleased. Now who is that at the door? It’s far too early for Tony.
Me: I will go and see.
Nell: Tell them to come back later. I’m still in my dressing gown.
Me: There’s an owl outside.
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: Wearing a bowler hat and carrying a briefcase.
Nell: I don’t care what it’s wearing. What does it want?
Me: It’s from the council and it’s investigating a complaint about a couple of imposters.
Nell: Are you thinking what I’m thinking?
Me: Probably.
Nell: Right. You keep it talking while I hide the owl hats and warn the others. Stop looking so guilty.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
