Me: Why is Dave bathed in sorrow on the non slip mat in the living room? Poor darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Bathed in sorrow? Good grief.
Me: Were you mean to him about Exercising Restraint? He was only showing affection.
Nell: Stealing socks is not Showing Affection.
Me: True, but that wouldn’t make him sad. You’ve definitely said something.
Nell: David’s sorrow has absolutely nothing to do with me.
Me: Who is responsible then?
Nell: Shel, if you must know.
Me: Shel loves Dave. He loves all of you.
Nell: Not enough to stop him jetting off to Cannes.
Me: It’s MipCom, Nell. The television market I used to go to in the past. It’s work. Shel has to go.
Nell: Well, David can’t believe Shel is leaving today. He only just arrived.
Me: I know but he’s planning on coming back for a longer visit next year.
Nell: David’s not sure if you’re just saying that to make him feel better.
Me: Are we still talking about Dave?
Nell: Of course we are. Why?
Me: You’re sad about Shel leaving too. Admit it.
Nell: I might be a little sad. He is a dear friend.
Me: Your friend John Keats was rather charming yesterday.
Nell: Good change of subject.
Me: It was lovely to be back at the Cottage Hotel again and fancy bumping into Sunny and Sue.
Nell: It was delightful to finally meet Sunny.
Me: Yes. she voiced you so beautifully in the audiobook.
Nell: She did.
Me: She is another dear friend. I’m very lucky to have so many of them.
Nell: You are.
Me: Would you call John Keats a dear friend?
Nell: No, I would not. Now, fetch my handbag please, we need to take Shel to the station.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
