Me: What are you doing up here on the bed with the others?
Nell: Just keeping an eye on you.
Me: Thank you.
Nell: You went to Hope Cove without me.
Me: I know but we had to sit inside, Nell. The weather was too grizzly to sit outside.
Nell: Grizzly?
Me: Sea mists and a bitingly cold wind.
Nell: The weather doesn’t matter when you’re by the sea.
Me: No. The children loved it. They were climbing on rocks and exploring caves.
Nell: Yes, I can see that from the photos.
Me: Jonathan is feeling a lot better which is a big relief, especially to Faye who has missed her big brother playing with her.
Nell: We know. Why do you think David has been wearing a tiara and I’m covered in a blanket?
Me: She likes to keep you warm.
Nell: Any news from the hospital about your sister Alex?
Me: There’s not much change. Her daughter said she thinks she was slightly more aware of them and she nodded a few times.
Nell: That’s a good sign. It’s going to take time.
Me: I know.
Nell: You’re going to see her tomorrow, aren’t you?
Me: Yes. I’m hoping she will realise I’m there.
Nell: She will. Don’t you worry about that. Just keep talking to her and telling her she’s loved.
Me: I will.
Nell: And remember we’ll all be waiting for you when you get home.
Me: That’s a huge comfort.
Nell: Now, Alice and the children leave on Sunday and I know you’ll be sad but they will be back in August.
Me: Yes.
Nell: So just concentrate on that.
Me: I’m taking one day at a time to be honest.
Nell: Alex will get through this. Look how far she’s come.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
