Me: We thought you would enjoy going down to the river for your favourite walk.
Nell: I do. There’s nothing like paddling in a cool river on a warm summer’s day.
Me: I agree. The water is so fresh and clear.
Nell: The children loved it too when they were here.
Me: They had such a wonderful time.
Nell: Not that I would know, of course. I wasn’t included.
Me: There wasn’t room in the car, Nell, and it was too hot.
Nell: Kev and I could have gone in his car.
Me: We were trying to consider the environment and fuel is so expensive. These are difficult times, Nell.
Nell: Yes, you’re right. I apologise.
Me: Gosh. That doesn’t happen very often.
Nell: I know you’re worried about all the price increases.
Me: It’s hitting everyone hard at the moment.
Nell: What about publishing a book of my poems?
Me: Now, that’s a good idea.
Nell: Everyone seems to enjoy them, if I say so myself.
Me: They do. You’re an accomplished poet.
Nell: I do my best.
Me: Let me talk to Kev and see what we can do.
Nell: And while you’re at it, David wondered if you might be interested in releasing his book.
Me: Dave’s written a book?
Nell: You know he has. ‘Meals I Ate By Mistake’ by David Martin.
Me: Oh yes. We should get it out there.
Nell: You’re going to have to limit the number of meals, though. The list of recipes is endless.
Me: Dave has made an awful lot of mistakes.
Nell: Concentrate on my poems first. It only needs to be a little book.
Me: That’s it. ‘Nell’s Little Book of Poems’. The perfect title.
Nell: Off you go then. No time like the present.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
