Me: I’m glad Mutley joined you on your walk today.
Nell: He likes to potter around in the meadow. The grass is particularly soft underpaw at this time of year.
Me: Yes, and the smell of Spring is in the air.
Nell: The smell of cows and sheep you mean. We saw a couple of Beefies in wigs with fish in their beaks but we paid them no attention.
Me: I wonder what they are up to. We can’t have them sabotaging West Side Story.
Nell: Owl Pacino has agreed to patrol the area during the performance tomorrow in case of a mackerel attack.
Me: He’s a good egg.
Nell: He is not an egg. What is the matter with you? He is a professional fighter. Interestingly, he and Malcolm have been getting on rather well recently. Malcolm is keen to learn.
Me: Malcolm is never going to join the owl patrols, Nell. He is a flamingo and the wrong shape for a start, and he is awfully shy and polite.
Nell: Of course he isn’t. Malcolm just enjoys Owl Pacino’s company. It wouldn’t surprise me if Malcolm chooses him as his best man.
Me: But Dave thinks he is going to be chosen.
Nell: So does Count Bingo and Timothy is certain that he is the one. Even Mutley said he would be willing if Malcolm would prefer a more mature candidate.
Me: Poor Malcolm. So many choices.
Nell: Not at all. It is always good to have choices. You just need to choose wisely.
Me: Yes. I chose wisely when I chose you all those years ago.
Nell: Now, don’t be silly, we both know that I was the one who chose you.
Me: Anyway, we made a good choice that day, Nell.
Nell: Yes, we did and Malcolm will too. Just give him time.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
