Me: I know you’re tired. Why don’t you sleep?
Nell: I’m fine.
Me: You can’t watch over Kev all the time, Nell. You need to switch off.
Nell: I am the Chief Protector.
Me: Dave is watching over him as well.
Nell: David is clearly sleeping. I can hear him snoring.
Me: The last week has been tiring for everyone. Just relax now and I will take over.
Nell: You?
Me: Yes. I’m writing anyway.
Nell: You never notice anyone, or anything when you’re writing. We all know that.
Me: Don’t exaggerate.
Nell: How many cold cups of tea has poor Kev had to carry downstairs in the days when he could still walk?
Me: What do you mean ‘poor Kev’? And he can still walk, Nell. He’s even allowed to drive from today.
Nell: Drive? Certainly not. Out of the question.
Me: In fact we thought we might take you all to the Dog and Dash activity field this afternoon.
Nell: Did you?
Me: Yes. Kev can sit and watch while I walk you all round.
Nell: We can walk ourselves round.
Me: I’ll go with you.
Nell: Well, that would make a nice change.
Me: Yes. We all need some fresh air.
Nell: David and Harriet are certainly in need of a good run. They have far too much energy.
Me: Talking of energy, I didn’t know the llamas played cricket.
Nell: Oh yes. County players.
Me: Gladys is an amazing bowler.
Nell: She’s one of the best.
Me: I’m surprised anyone manages to hit those balls. I would be terrified.
Nell: You obviously haven’t seen Poppy play.
Me: Is Poppy a cricketer too?
Nell: Poppy is probably the best batsdog in the whole animal league. Fearless and fast with an amazing swing.
Me: I didn’t know. Sorry.
