Me: What on earth is going on at my sister Charlotte’s house?
Nell: I’ll tell you in a minute. I have to read my poem to Scarlett first.
Me: Why?
Nell: Because she’s your niece and she’s 16 today.
Me: Look at those photos. Naughty Nigel has jumped into Scarlett’s arms, Boo looks terrified and Xav the cat is hiding in the sink.
Nell: It’s Seamus.
Me: Seamus?
Nell: Yes. He’s turned bad.
Me: How did that happen?
Nell: Apparently he’s been texting someone into the early hours of the morning on his iBone.
Me: Who?
Nell: We don’t know but we have our suspicions. When Naughty Nigel asked him about it he turned nasty.
Me: But Seamus is normally such a cheerful little chap.
Nell: Yes, although he’s always had a grumpy side.
Me: I’ve had an awful thought.
Nell: Here we go again.
Me: Do you think it’s The Hunter? We know The Black Claw are trying to turn good dogs bad. Maybe they’ve got to Seamus.
Nell: Of course we think it’s The Hunter. Look at Naughty Nigel and Boo and even Xav. They are terrified.
Me: I wouldn’t say Xav looked terrified but then he is a cat.
Nell: Can I read my poem now?
Me: Yes.
Nell: ‘Darling Scarlett please allow me to say
I hope you’re having a lovely 16th birthday.
I hope you’re not feeling awfully sad
That you’re stuck at home and Seamus’s turned bad.’
Me: I don’t think you needed to say that.
Nell: Quiet.
‘We may not be with you on your special day
But we are all wearing hats and shouting ‘Hurrah’.
So stay home and stay safe. Be happy and chill.
We love you dear Scarlett and we always will.’
Me: Perfect.
Nell: Of course.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
