Me: Why is Harriet sitting at the top of the stairs watching everyone?
Nell: I’ve no idea.
Me: I can’t be sure, but I think she stuck her tongue out at me.
Nell: Oh. She’s probably playing Cheeky Animals then.
Me: Cheeky Animals?
Nell: Yes. She’s the current champion.
Me: I’ve never heard of that game.
Nell: We play it all the time. Kev is very good at it.
Me: How do you play?
Nell: You have to watch someone closely and then secretly stick your tongue out at them. If they catch you then you lose.
Me: I caught Harriet.
Nell: Yes, but did you? You have to be sure.
Me: I’m almost sure.
Nell: But did you shout ‘Cheeky Animal’?
Me: No. I didn’t know I had to.
Nell: Then it doesn’t count.
Me: Oh.
Nell: Harriet is an excellent player. She has an innocent face.
Me: What about my Big Brave Beautiful Boy?
Nell: Absolute rubbish.
Me: That’s a bit harsh.
Nell: David is far too obvious. He sticks his tongue right out and smiles.
Me: I bet Poppy’s good at it.
Nell: Yes. She’s very quick.
Me: I bet Henry and Horst are quick.
Nell: Woodlice don’t have tongues. Do keep up.
Me: Oh yes.
Nell: Well, that takes the biscuit.
Me: What?
Nell: That wretched Rolls Royce is outside again and it’s full of Welsh corgis.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: All wearing velvet hats, I might add, and none of them social distancing.
Me: Is the Irish Wolfhound driving?
Nell: Of course.
Me: Did he wave?
Nell: No. He never takes any notice of anyone. Just waits for someone to get in or out and drives off.
Me: He wouldn’t be very good at Cheeky Animals then.
Nell: That is not the point.
Me: No. Sorry.
