Me: I’m not sure Dave has seen your upsidedownmaddogface before.
Nell: Of course he has. Many times.
Me: He looks a little worried, Nell. He’s even dropped his toy.
Nell: Silly animal.
Me: It’s not something you do that often.
Nell: I do.
Me: It’s definitely more of a Dave type thing.
Nell: David is excessively optimistic.
Me: Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: David’s world is a happy one.
Me: So, are you going to tell me why?
Nell: Why what?
Me: Why you’re so happy? Is it because today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year with the promise of light and hope ahead?
Nell: Here we go.
Me: The birth of the sun taking us into longer days and more light for everyone?
Nell: No.
Me: Oh, because I always like the idea that the days get longer from tomorrow. I feel like we’ve turned a corner.
Nell: Yes, you would. You and Dave have more in common than you think. Secret Eating for a start.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: Don’t think for a moment that Poppy hasn’t noticed the Christmas cake you were tucking into yesterday.
Me: It’s home made from the farm shop and it’s Christmas, Nell.
Nell: It is still shop bought.
Me: Never mind that. I want to know why you’re feeling so happy so I can share in it.
Nell: It is because of my special injection.
Me: What special injection?
Nell: Kev and Chloe organised it when I went for my hydrotherapy. It helps with my arthritis pain and means I can come off my tablets.
Me: That’s wonderful.
Nell: Yes, I had a really good sleep.
Me: I need one of those.
Nell: You need to go downstairs and apologise to Poppy.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
