Nell: Are you quite well?
Me: Yes.
Nell: Why are you dancing around the bedroom in tears?
Me: I’ve had some wonderful news.
Nell: Care to share?
Me: Chris has booked his flight from Toronto. I’m going to see my son again after 18 months.
Nell: So when is he arriving?
Me: Two weeks today. He will be with us from 1st to 7th October.
Nell: This is excellent news but there’s a lot to be done before then.
Me: I know.
Nell: We need to have a family meeting. Menus must be planned, beds must be made and hair will need to be cut.
Me: Not everyone’s hair, Nell.
Nell: No. Most of the wilder haired animals are having their hair done before Strictly anyway.
Me: Talking of Strictly. Kev is taking these dance classes awfully seriously.
Nell: Is he now?
Me: Yes. I saw him chatting to the Portuguese Podenco about the tango.
Nell: I didn’t know Kev spoke Portuguese.
Me: Neither did I.
Nell: You know the photo shoot is tomorrow so we can expect that lion to appear. He can’t stay on his ship for ever.
Me: It’s been spotted all along the coast. People were telling me. Usually surrounded by screaming Beefies.
Nell: He’s just showing off. Rupert says it’s best not to take any notice of him.
Me: I’m surprised the Beefies are still with him. Didn’t he get immunity by cooperating with the police?
Nell: Beefies are birds of very little brain. How else do you explain them choosing Stephen Seagull as their leader.
Me: Maybe you shouldn’t wear the tiara, Nell. What if Lionel King steals it?
Nell: I shall wear what I like. I’m not letting an international jewel thief influence my choice of crown.
Me: No, of course not. Sorry.
