Me: I like that photo of Harriet.
Nell: Yes, she was enjoying the sunshine yesterday. We had an outside day as it was so warm.
Me: This time last year we were waiting for snow and the Beast from the East.
Nell: I remember, and this year people were in shorts and t shirts and even swimming in the sea.
Me: You swim in the sea all year.
Nell: I am a Labrador. We were made to swim.
Me: Like seals. You have seal eyes.
Nell: I wish you would stop comparing me to a seal. They are ungainly creatures.
Me: We are actually very lucky, Nell. I know it doesn’t feel like it with Charlie’s illness but it’s true.
Nell: Yes. Charlie was saying how much he appreciates all the love around him.
Me: Why are you frowning?
Nell: There is a rather large seagull hammering on the front door.
Me: What?
Nell: It looks extremely angry and it’s shouting.
Me: What is it saying?
Nell: “Malcolm Martin. I know you are in there. Where is my daughter?”
Me: Malcolm Martin sounds rather nice, doesn’t it?
Nell: You are missing the point. Malcolm is in danger. If I’m not mistaken that’s Stephen Seagull, the evil head of the Beefies.
Me: What? You mean Susan is a Beefy?
Nell: I don’t know, but her real father certainly is. Run and warn Malcolm. I will deal with this. I’m not going to let some bolshie Beefy ruin my day.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
