Nell: We are very sad today.
Me: Yes, we are, Nell.
Nell: You lost a dear friend to cancer yesterday evening.
Me: I did. She was such a vibrant, active woman. It’s very hard to believe she has gone.
Nell: She was one of your writer friends.
Me: Yes, she loved to write.
Nell: And she was a great supporter of your writing.
Me: Yes, she was. I remember when I got the publishing deal she was so happy for me.
Nell: She read our conversations every day and she loved the book.
Me: She did. In fact her recipes are going to be in the next book.
Nell: They are. She was an excellent cook.
Me: Why do people have to leave, Nell?
Nell; Because others are arriving. And they never really leave you know.
Me: Yes.
Nell: You might not be able to see them but if you close your eyes you will feel they are still there.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And if you listen really carefully you will hear them.
Me: She certainly had a lot to say so that wouldn’t surprise me at all.
Nell: And in the meantime I am here any time you want to talk.
Me: Thank you.
Nell: And David is available all day for extra cuddles.
Me: Isn’t he supposed to be guarding Poppy?
Nell: John the Doberman is coming over. In fact everyone is.
Me: Really?
Nell: We are one big family. In times like these we need each other.
Me: Yes, we do.
Nell: So, how about a nice cup of Earl Grey and some of Poppy’s shortbread?
Me: That sounds lovely.
Nell: We can curl up on the sofa and talk about your friend.
Me: Thank you.
Nell: You and Me. Always. Never forget that.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
