Me: It’s wonderful to have you home.
Nell: Thank you. May I rest now, please?
Me: In a minute, let’s finish going over your exciting escape.
Nell: If we must.
Me: So, while Lionel and the cats were distracted by the owls and the honey bombs Poppy threw down her sword.
Nell: Yes, and I cut Rupert free.
Me: What happened then?
Nell: Princess and Sir Roger Blubbery arrived alongside the ship with the Navy seals towing a rubber dinghy.
Me: So you didn’t have to jump in the sea?
Nell: No. Rupert and I managed to climb into the dinghy.
Me: What about Poppy and Miss Maple? Did they fearlessly fling themselves into the waves?
Nell: They jumped out of the crow’s nest into the sea if that’s what you mean.
Me: How daring and brave. I hope you didn’t leave Poppy’s sword on the ship.
Nell: No, Rupert took it.
Me: Did you manage to get Poppy and Miss Maple into the dinghy?
Nell: No. They rode to the beach on sealback.
Me: Where we were all waiting to welcome you.
Nell: Yes, with cartwheeling llamas and the Welsh Corgi Choir.
Me: I couldn’t stop them. Did you appreciate the banner and the balloons?
Nell: I did and it was most kind of the Whippets Institute to organise tea on the beach.
Me: I thought so too.
Nell: The scones weren’t quite up to Poppy’s standards but the jam and cream were excellent and the butterfly cakes were delightful.
Me: We started out with a larger selection of sandwiches but Dave ate some by mistake.
Nell: Nothing new there.
Me: It was comfort eating. He was really worried about you. Poor darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: It was typical David and you know it.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
