Me: What is going on?
Nell: I have just had harsh words with Harriet.
Me: I noticed she was wearing her guilty face. I can’t resist her when she does that.
Nell: Well, you are going to have to, because this cannot continue. If she doesn’t stop she will find herself sleeping in the barn with the large animals.
Me: Goodness me. What has she done?
Nell: She pulled off the protective blankets and ate the sofa cushion again.
Me: Oh dear. That is naughty.
Nell: She has been told repeatedly not to do it.
Me: I know. It’s so unlike her.
Nell: She is easily bored. She says she can’t help herself.
Me: She is such a good girl normally. I’m sure she feels awful about it.
Nell: Feeling awful after you’ve done something doesn’t forgive doing it.
Me: True.
Nell: David is walking around covered in feathers.
Me: Do you think he was involved?
Nell: No. He’s not a sofa chewer. He has his favourite towel to chew if needed, and his toys.
Me: Maybe the feathers are the attraction?
Nell: Yes, I rather think they might be. Anyway, this definitely has to stop.
Me: I agree.
Nell: I woke up with a feather in my mouth. I thought it was a sign from Charlie.
Me: Perhaps it was.
Nell: It was from the sofa. You know that and I know that.
Me: Yes.
Nell: Please tell me there isn’t a penguin outside with a film camera.
Me: Do you mean the one in a hat?
Nell: Of course I mean the one in the hat. How many penguins do you think there are filming through our window?
Me: Shall I ask it in?
Nell: No.
Me: It’s getting awfully wet.
Nell: It’s a penguin.
Me: Yes. Sorry.