Me: I’ve never seen an animal enjoy being stroked more than Dave.
Nell: He does love attention.
Me: It sends him into a happy daze. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: David lives for a good cuddle.
Me: That’s probably why he gives such good cuddles himself.
Nell: Maybe.
Me: I’m thankful for all the cuddles I can get at the moment.
Nell: I know you are and we dogs are happy to oblige.
Me: Yes. Even you. That night when I got home from the hospital after Alex died you sat with me in my armchair.
Nell: I did.
Me: And you never usually do that.
Nell: You needed me.
Me: I did.
Nell: So I was there.
Me: You were.
Nell: Yesterday was all about flowers.
Me: Yes, it was. My pocketful of happiness was a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Chris and Shannon.
Nell: They are lovely.
Me: And so is the message.
Nell: Yes.
Me: Even though they are far away I know they are thinking of me.
Nell: Of course they are.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And then your sister Charlotte came over for a cup of tea.
Me: She did and we looked at flowers for Alex’s coffin.
Nell: Yes.
Me: Charlotte and I have chosen some from us both.
Nell: You’re Alex’s big sisters and she’d like that.
Me: She loved flowers.
Nell: Yes. She did.
Me: How can she be gone, Nell?
Nell: I think a walk on the beach is called for.
Me: What about all the tourists?
Nell: There’s more than enough beach for everyone.
Me: You’re right.
Nell: Your late mother always said there’s nothing like a sea breeze to blow your troubles away.
Me: I’m not sure they’ll blow away.
Nell: But it will help.
Me: Yes. Thank you.
