Nell: I’m glad to see you’ve joined in our Cheer up Tony campaign.
Me: I thought an ice cream might help.
Nell: David has told him that the Only Six People rule won’t be for ever and his Old Gaffers Shanty Crew will sing again.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And Tony said, as soon as it’s safe, David will be asked to join them.
Me: I’m not sure he can make all the rehearsals, Nell.
Nell: No. As a guest star.
Me: Oh, I see. That would be wonderful.
Nell: Yes. We need something to look forward to in these troubled times.
Me: I’ll tell you what gladdened my heart.
Nell: What?
Me: Talking to a nice man called Gary at your pet insurance.
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: I couldn’t access the portal.
Nell: I’m not even going to ask what a portal is.
Me: I couldn’t get online. Anyway, you know how you can wait for ages and have to press 1, then 4, then 1 again?
Nell: I get the idea.
Me: And some dreadful music keeps repeating and a voice says ‘You are 156th in the queue. We will answer your enquiry as soon as we can.’
Nell: I think you’ve done this before.
Me: Well, none of that happened.
Nell: Good grief.
Me: I chose a number and there was Gary. Friendly and chatty and talking to me like a real person.
Nell: You are a real person.
Me: People don’t always take the time to listen.
Nell: That’s exactly what I said to my friend.
Me: Pamela, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog?
Nell: No. Marjorie, the Springer Spaniel.
Me: Oh.
Nell: I said ‘Marjorie, sometimes it’s like talking to a squirrel.’
Me: A squirrel?
Nell: Squirrels never listen. Everyone knows that.
Me: I didn’t. Sorry.
