Me: Why have you got that sulky, squishy face?
Nell: I beg your pardon? I have not got a squishy face and I am not sulking.
Me: You are. And you’ve tucked your tail under your chin in a determined way.
Nell: It’s a sad state of affairs when a senior animal cannot even rest in the yellow chair without being accused of sulking.
Me: So, what’s put your nose out of joint?
Nell: My nose is fine. It’s the rest of me that’s not.
Me: Are you not feeling well?
Nell: Truth be told, I am feeling a little achy this morning.
Me: My poor darling Nell. Is your arthritis playing up?
Nell: Yes.
Me: Shall I ask Poppy for a pot of Earl Grey? We could share it together.
Nell: That would be most kind. Maybe she has some shortbread biscuits to spare?
Me: I’m sure that can be arranged.
Nell: If you put them on the table next to my chair I can reach them easily.
Me: It isn’t actually your chair, Nell. It’s Kev’s chair. You didn’t even like it at first.
Nell: Knitwear Wolf brought the newspapers. You could read to me if you like.
Me: You’re doing that Selective Hearing thing again and ignoring me.
Nell: Dorothy says there is an interesting article on beavers. Did you know they’re moving in down here?
Me: I didn’t.
Nell: Busy little creatures.
Me: You’ll have to move if Kev needs to sit down, you know.
Nell: Always building things.
Me: Shall I ask Dave to bring in the biscuits?
Nell: Not if you want any left.
Me: You heard me then.
Nell: Would you mind pouring the tea while it’s still hot? As I said before, I’m a little achy today.
Me: Yes. Of course. Sorry.
