Me: Is Marvin auditioning for a shepherd?
Nell: No. We are not doing a Nativity this year.
Me: Oh yes.
Nell: Marvin knows you aren’t feeling well so he sent over these photos from Toronto on WoofsApp.
Me: This horrible stomach bug has really done me in, Nell. I’ve hardly slept.
Nell: That’s why we thought a photo of Marvin in a towel and another of him with Chris and Shannon in the snow might cheer you up.
Me: I love dogs in towels.
Nell: Yes, I know you do.
Me: And I love Chris and Shannon, and Marv too, of course.
Nell: Yes. Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of our loved ones when we’re feeling a little low.
Me: Yes. You’re right.
Nell: Has it helped?
Me: Yes, it has.
Nell: Now, David has taken the early shift and will be monitoring you until lunchtime.
Me: I don’t think I need monitoring.
Nell: You most certainly do. We know what you’re like.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: You need to rest. The book can wait. Your deadline isn’t until 1st April 2021.
Me: I know but you wouldn’t believe how much there is to do.
Nell: No arguments. David will keep you warm and entertained.
Me: I don’t really need entertaining.
Nell: That’s what I said at Morning Thoughts but David insisted.
Me: He might get bored just watching over me.
Nell: Never mind. This is part of David’s penance for yesterday’s transgression.
Me: What did he do?
Nell: He opened more than one window on the Advent calendar.
Me: Oh no.
Nell: He says the second window was by accident.
Me: Mistakes can happen, Nell. He probably thought a 7 was a 1.
Nell: It was 22 with a large treat inside.
Me: Oh dear. Sorry.
