Nell: Why are the puppies staring out of the window?
Me: Well, here’s the thing.
Nell: What do you mean ‘here’s the thing’? I never like it when you say that.
Me: No, and you might not like this at first, but you will.
Nell: Will I?
Me: The puppies were excited when I told them.
Nell: Told them what?
Me: Naughty Nigel is coming to stay for a few days with Seamus and Boo.
Nell: Why?
Me: You know my sister Charlotte has bought a house not far away from us?
Nell: I do and I’m extremely delighted as now all three of you sisters are living back in Devon.
Me: Anyway, Charlotte and Kerry need to get the house ready and organise the moving, so I said the boys could stay here.
Nell: Fair enough. That makes complete sense to me.
Me: Gosh, that’s a relief.
Nell: But there is more. Isn’t there?
Me: Not really. It’s just that the boys will be sleeping in the bedroom because they might feel lonely and a little lost.
Nell: Are we talking about your bedroom?
Me: Yes.
Nell: The one we don’t sleep in at night?
Me: Yes. Apart from Poppy, but she’s going to have to share our bed with Seamus because he’s a little bit poorly.
Nell: Seamus is poorly?
Me: He’s having problems with his heart.
Nell: Why didn’t you say so in the first place? Of course the boys must share your room. I will talk to Poppy now about some heart friendly meals. She made them when Charlie was ill.
Me: That’s a wonderful idea, Nell. I’m so glad you are fine with this.
Nell: The boys are family. Nothing matters more. Especially in these difficult times. We are doing this together.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
