Me: Today is going to be a good day.
Nell: Any particular reason why?
Me: Tony came to see us and Dave’s tummy ache went away immediately.
Nell: Of course it did. A cuddle with Tony always helps.
Me: I was just saying to Kev that cuddles have become hugely important since the pandemic.
Nell: Yes, they have.
Me: And I don’t think I’m exaggerating if I say you dogs and cats have saved many people’s lives.
Nell: Did you just say cats?
Me: Yes, all animals. Stroking an alpaca is a lovely thing to do. You should try it. I know Alejandro would be happy to oblige.
Nell: I’m sorry to disappoint you but stroking alpacas is not on my agenda this morning. And I wouldn’t advise trying to cuddle The Cat. It’s up to its eyes in false teeth and fake blood.
Me: What a horrible thought.
Nell: Someone has to organise the Halloween costumes.
Me: I hear Poppy is going as Count Dracula.
Nell: Yes, with Stephen Seagull as a raven. He’s having his feathers dyed as we speak.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: Now, don’t be shocked if Kev appears as a werewolf.
Me: I’ll try not to be.
Nell: And Henry and Horst in fur suits.
Me: Are they going as caterpillars?
Nell: No. As his eyebrows.
Me: Good idea. Although Kev’s eyebrows are quite bushy on their own. In fact when he was an actor a director once asked him for less eyebrows and he had to confess they were real.
Nell: Awkward.
Me: What about the others?
Nell: Gladys and Count Bingo Flamingo are the ringmaster and the trapeze artist from The Greatest Showman.
Me: Perfect.
Nell: It’s not a great deal different from their usual selves though, is it?
Me: I suppose not. Sorry.
