Nell: We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
Me: Yes and I’d like to thank you again for your kind cards and messages. They mean a lot.
Nell: Don’t forget the cups of Earl Grey.
Me: Yes. They’ve been a lifesaver and I appreciate your generosity more than I can say.
Nell: Now, you’re going to your sister’s soon for Christmas lunch.
Me: Yes, but Kev is too unwell to go. Should I stay?
Nell: No. He wants you to enjoy yourself. You need it.
Me: I feel I should be by his side.
Nell: You won’t be gone long and we have everything under control.
Me: Thank you.
Nell: Poppy’s made chicken soup and we’re taking it in turns to watch over him.
Me: That’s sweet of you.
Nell: The Welsh Corgi Choir have kindly offered to sing carols.
Me: How kind.
Nell: And Gladys and the Llamas will perform an interpretive dance.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: David will also be reading from Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’. Kev’s favourite book.
Me: This is really thoughtful but Kev was actually going to try and sleep. He had a bad night.
Nell: Performances are completely flexible and dependent on the patient’s condition.
Me: Good. Talking of condition, how’s Lionel?
Nell: He’s in a sorry state. I hardly recognised him when he arrived.
Me: You weren’t supposed to, Nell. He was disguised as Santa.
Nell: I mean later when we were enjoying our mulled wine by the fire.
Me: Just you and Lionel?
Nell: Of course not. Rupert was there too. Now go and put on a nice dress. Your sisters are waiting.
Me: Are you sure?
Nell: Yes. We will all celebrate when you come home. Try not to worry about Kev. We’ve got him.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
