Nell: Would you keep the noise down, please? Some of us are trying to rest.
Me: I was just discussing yesterday’s party with Poppy.
Nell: Well, do it in a quiet voice.
Me: It went really well, didn’t it?
Nell: Yes, until torrential rain forced us all inside.
Me: We managed.
Nell: You weren’t caught between two steaming llamas.
Me: It’s not like the llamas to be angry. They usually have such sunny dispositions.
Nell: I meant steaming hot. It was excessively humid and damp llama is not the most pleasant of aromas, especially mixed with all the other wet animals.
Me: I know what you mean. The house was a little smelly. It reminded me of an old Afghan coat I wore in the 1970’s.
Nell: Fortunately we could leave the doors open.
Me: Kev had a wonderful time and I know he would like me to thank everyone for their kind birthday greetings.
Nell: Yes, that is the main thing. Why are you wearing your best dress?
Me: I’m going to afternoon tea at my friend Anne’s. She moved house recently and I’m really looking forward to seeing it.
Nell: Am I invited?
Me: No, it’s only for Wednesday Writers I’m afraid.
Nell: I am a poet, you know, and well regarded.
Me: Yes, I know that.
Nell: I even write on Wednesdays.
Me: But you’re not a Wednesday Writer.
Nell: Potato, potahto.
Me: Now, you’re being silly. How about asking Poppy if she’d make afternoon tea for you all?
Nell: Poppy is exhausted after yesterday.
Me: There’s bound to be some leftover cake and Manuel could throw together a few sandwiches.
Nell: Thrown together sandwiches and leftover cake?
Me: It was just a suggestion.
Nell: Afternoon tea is not about leftovers.
Me: No, of course not. Sorry.
