Nell: Stop annoying David.
Me: I’m not. We are playing Cheeky Animals.
Nell: Is David really in the mood for a game?
Me: He is, Nell. Look. If you wait long enough he will stick his tongue out.
Nell: Have you ever considered he might be telling you to go away?
Me: No. My Big Brave Beautiful Boy is glad of any distraction.
Nell: You might be right. He could certainly do with thinking about something other than that wretched Handsome Stranger.
Me: Do we know anymore about his identity?
Nell: Rumours are flying around. In some cases literally as the Beefies are spreading them too.
Me: Oh no.
Nell: They keep flying past shouting ‘Hello Stranger.’
Me: There’s no need for that.
Nell: I’m just glad Gladys has a cricket bat and knows how to use it.
Me: I’m not sure violence is the answer.
Nell: No. The bat is for hitting mackerel. She scored a six last time.
Me: Good for her. I didn’t know she played.
Nell: Gladys and Poppy are in the ladies cricket team along with most of the Whippets Institute.
Me: Well, goodness me.
Nell: You should come along one Sunday afternoon when the weather gets better. They are a lively bunch and the tea is excellent.
Me: I will. Thank you. So what are the Beefies saying about the Handsome Stranger?
Nell: Ridiculous nonsense. A Bengal Tiger? Just because tigers enjoy dancing.
Me: I didn’t know tigers danced.
Nell: Oh yes. Tigers love jazz. Can’t get enough of it.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: But as I said to my friend Dorothy, ‘Sally is not going to be won over by a cat, however handsome and stripy it is.’
Me: Tigers are magnificent creatures, though.
Nell: And so is David.
Me: Yes, of course. Sorry.
