Me: I can’t believe you are 10 today. Cheeky Animal.
Nell: A lady never discusses her age.
Me: Did you like your cake?
Nell: A piece was missing. I presume David was involved.
Me: He was carrying the cake when a little bit of cream fell out so he had to clean it up.
Nell: Of course he did.
Me: I think it was in all the excitement of me coming home.
Nell: Harriet was speechless with happiness, unlike Poppy.
Me: And my Big Brave Beautiful Boy just sat on me.
Nell: You weren’t going anywhere.
Me: I was so pleased you came to the hotel.
Nell: I always do.
Me: You missed me.
Nell: We missed each other. It was most kind of Rupert to bring me flowers.
Me: It was.
Nell: Sunflowers are so cheerful and appropriate during these troubled times.
Me: Are you going to tell me who sent you the dozen red roses?
Nell: No.
Me: You have to.
Nell: Moving on, I believe you wrote me a poem.
Me: Yes. Would you like to hear it?
Nell: I would.
Me: ‘Our darling Nell is 10 today.
We love her more than words can say.
Without her guidance we would struggle
With decisions in life
Like who to cuddle.‘
Nell: That’s not a life changing decision.
Me: It could be, Nell. Cuddling the wrong person can lead to all sorts of complications. Ask Dave.
Nell: Just continue, please.
Me: ‘So, Happy Birthday dear Nell
From all of us here.
From near and far
And far and near.’
Nell: Good grief.
Me: ‘You are the one
We trust the most.
You are the marmalade
On our toast.’
Nell: Thank you but I think you’d better leave the writing of poems to me in future.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
