Nell: What is going on here? You are supposed to be writing.
Me: I was just having some Snuggling Time with my Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: You have a deadline and David has a great deal to do before Sally arrives for the weekend.
Me: There’s always time for Snuggling, Nell, especially on a cold winter’s morning.
Nell: David does far too much of it already, if you ask me.
Me: Did you know the BBC is 100 years old today?
Nell: Stop changing the subject.
Me: When I used to work for them I would get a cheque and it was always exciting because it said BBC on it.
Nell: What else would it say? You are showing your age talking about cheques. One hardly ever sees one nowadays.
Me: I know. It’s all online. How times have changed.
Nell: Anyway, hurry up and finish your writing because I need you and David at Morning Thoughts today.
Me: Are we planning how to rescue Roary?
Nell: We will be discussing that subject and how to find his mother but top of the agenda is missing food.
Me: Oh dear. I’m sure it was by mistake.
Nell: I’m afraid this doesn’t appear to be one of those mistakes. This theft is regular and planned.
Me: Dave never plans it, Nell. It just comes upon him.
Nell: We don’t think David is the culprit. He always acknowledges his mistakes and leaves traces.
Me: Like cream?
Nell: Exactly. This thief has left no trace at all. The food just disappears.
Me: I see. Do we know it was ever there in the first place?
Nell: What are you talking about? Of course we do. Poppy keeps a close eye on all produce. She has lists. You know that.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
