Me: Why is Harriet hiding on the stairs?
Nell: She’s been evacuated from her comfortable sofa downstairs.
Me: But you don’t have any bombs.
Nell: I know, but we are playing Evacuation. If you have to go through it then so do we.
Me: So where are the others?
Nell: David is in the kitchen with Gladys preparing breakfast. They are making pancakes quietly and they are not eating any of them.
Me: Oh dear. Where is Poppy?
Nell: In your handbag. It’s a tight fit.
Me: It would be. Gladys is much smaller.
Nell: Malcolm is up on the roof.
Me: I don’t think that’s very safe even though he is a flamingo.
Nell: Yes, and he is scared of heights.
Me: What about Mutley and The Cat?
Nell: They have gone surfing. The Cat has made them both sequinned bathing costumes.
Me: But The Cat hates water and Mutley is about 112 in human years.
Nell: They are actually quite excited.
Me: What about you?
Nell: I’m at the top of the back garden barking at the farm dogs.
Me: Don’t do that, Nell. You always tell the puppies off for barking.
Nell: I know but I’m not myself today, am I? Anyway, where are you?
Me: I’m about to leave for Andre’s parents’ house. There are police everywhere.
Nell: I suppose there would be.
Me: Thousands of people are being evacuated including the hospital and the area is being cordoned off.
Nell: Have you packed your case?
Me: No, they think the bombs should be disarmed by the afternoon.
Nell: I mean for tomorrow. You’re flying home.
Me: Yes, I’ll do it when I get back. I have to leave now, Nell. I’ll let you know when I am safe.
Nell: Make sure you do.
Me: Yes. I have to go now. Sorry.
