Nell: You need to have a word with David.
Me: Why?
Nell: His breakfast service was sloppy and now he’s lying on the sofa in an extremely ungainly way.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: And Harriet isn’t much better.
Me: They’re probably exhausted after the children’s visit. I know I am.
Nell: You’re an ageing granny and drove to Bristol and back. What’s their excuse?
Me: Less of the ageing granny, thank you. There’s life in the old dog yet.
Nell: Less of the old dog, please.
Me: Leave the puppies alone, Nell. They’re probably missing the family.
Nell: I’m missing them too. You don’t see me lounging around.
Me: Weren’t you fast asleep on the sofa?
Nell: No. I was resting my eyes.
Me: Of course.
Nell: Is there any news from the hospital?
Me: Yes. Alex is extremely exhausted and sleeping most of the time. Moving from isolation to the Intensive Care Unit ward has tired her out.
Nell: Understandable.
Me: They’re hoping to remove the breathing tube today, or tomorrow, which means she’ll be able to speak to us.
Nell: That’s an important step.
Me: And if there are no complications she might be out of ICU in a week.
Nell: That’s very good news.
Me: I really hope they remove the tube. I’ll be so glad when she can tell me how she’s feeling.
Nell: Remember this is all going to take time and there might be setbacks along the way.
Me: I know.
Nell: I just want you to manage your expectations.
Me: Why was Dave’s breakfast service sloppy?
Nell: He burnt the toast and got butter all over his paws.
Me: I thought he was on eggs.
Nell: We never have eggs on a Monday. It’s a toast and marmalade day.
Me: Oh yes. Sorry.
