Nell: Don’t just stand there. You’ve obviously got something to say. Have we had another power cut?
Me: No.
Nell: Well, that’s a relief. I was absolutely gasping for a cup of Earl Grey by the time it came back on yesterday.
Me: This isn’t fair, Nell.
Nell: What are you talking about?
Me: Look at you all cosy and warm, wrapped in your special blanket from Knitwear Wolf and snuggled up in your comfortable bed.
Nell: Yes, it’s exceptionally kind of him.
Me: And my poor Big Brave Beautiful Boy is left to freeze on the sofa with only a corner of your comfortable bed to rest his little head on.
Nell: David does not have a little head.
Me: You know what I mean.
Nell: He is perfectly happy. Both puppies are aware that as the senior dog I am entitled to a little extra comfort and they are fine with it.
Me: Are you sure about that?
Nell: Yes. May I remind you that you have an electric blanket on your bed?
Me: I know I do.
Nell: When Alice and Chris come to stay do they have an electric blanket on their beds?
Me: No.
Nell: Do they complain about it?
Me: Of course not.
Nell: Do you ever say to yourself, ‘Oh my goodness, poor little things. I’d better take this lovely warm electric blanket off my bed and put it on theirs’?
Me: No, I don’t.
Nell: I rest my case.
Me: It’s been nearly a year since I saw them.
Nell: I know it has.
Me: It’s the not knowing when I’m going to see them that’s so hard.
Nell: You might not know when, but you do know it will happen. Focus on that. One step at a time.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
