Nell: There’s an awful lot of singing going on out there. The Welsh corgi choir are in full voice.
Me: Wonderful, isn’t it?
Nell: Yes. It is Mother’s Day and mothers deserve to be celebrated loudly.
Me: So do you.
Nell: Never mind me. It’s only my 9th birthday.
Me: Why don’t you go outside and have a proper look, Eeyore? You might be surprised.
Nell: Well, goodness gracious me. The field is full of animals in colourful hats and the llamas are holding a great big banner.
Me: What does it say?
Nell: ‘Happy Birthday Darling Nell.’ I am really touched.
Me: And what are they singing?
Nell: It sounds like ‘Hello Nelly, well Hello Nelly, it’s so nice to have you back where you belong.’ I haven’t been anywhere and I’m not called Nelly.
Me: Never mind that. Now they are singing Happy Birthday.
Nell: Is that a cake?
Me: Yes. Lemon drizzle. Your favourite. Poppy made it first thing this morning while you were asleep.
Nell: How delightful.
Me: There’s roast chicken for lunch with all the trimmings and a late afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and cake. No diets today.
Nell: David will be relieved.
Me: I’ve written you a little poem, too. Would you like to hear it?
Nell: Very much.
Me: ‘A certain someone I know
Has a birthday today.
A someone I love
More than words can say.
A someone who likes to speak her mind.
Who is wise and witty
And deceptively kind.
That someone is Nell.
Who else could it be?
If I didn’t have Nell,
I couldn’t be me.’
Nell: Thank you. Now, what exactly do you mean by deceptively kind?
Me: Happy Birthday Nell.
Nell: Happy Mother’s Day. We’re in this together, you know. Always.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
