Me: I’m not sure Dave likes his hat, Nell.
Nell: He says it’s too floppy. Just ignore him. He never sulks for long.
Me: My poor Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Less of the poor, please. I know for a fact that David had two bacon sandwiches with the larger animals before his second breakfast and an early morning bagel from Babycakes Gillespie’s cart.
Me: What is Babycakes doing out with his cart in this horrible weather?
Nell: Needs must. Since he gave up the gangster life, money has been tight.
Me: I’m sorry about that. I know how it feels.
Nell: I think a lot of people do. This Christmas is not going to be an easy one.
Me: So actually all Dave was doing was supporting Babycakes?
Nell: You could see it like that I suppose. He paid him with bacon and hugs.
Me: Sounds perfect to me.
Nell: Yes. Hugs seem to be very high up on most people’s lists this year.
Me: And Dave’s hugs are the best.
Nell: You would know.
Me: You don’t do physical hugs, Nell. Your hugs are verbal ones full of warmth, wisdom and wit.
Nell: Thank you.
Me: Although the warmth bit isn’t always there, if I’m honest.
Nell: Excuse me?
Me: You can be a bit sharp occasionally.
Nell: Only for your own good. I always have your best interests at heart.
Me: Yes. We all rely on you to keep us going.
Nell: Well, I’m relying on you to help me with the pugs in blankets.
Me: Are we wrapping sausages in bacon?
Nell: Certainly not. Knitwear Wolf is donating blankets to the poor and needy.
Me: They can’t all be pugs.
Nell: No, but the family we found sheltering in The Barn are.
Me: I see. Sorry.
