Me: I’m very late writing this today.
Nell: I know. We decided to let you lie in. After the last few weeks you need as much sleep as you can get.
Me: Poppy is giving me one of her looks. I know she needs a haircut but she looks adorably piratey when she’s fluffy.
Nell: There’s no such word. Poppy is just worried about you. We all are.
Me: I’m fine, Nell. I’m just tired.
Nell: No, you’re not. You were wheezing and coughing all night and you’re running a fever.
Me: I might have caught a cold, or it could be hay fever.
Nell: You’re going to have to take it easy today. No arguments.
Me: I’ll do my best but Shel is visiting and he’s my pocketful of happiness.
Nell: You’d better explain to everyone who Shel is then.
Me: Shel is a very dear friend from Vancouver in Canada. He’s like one of our family. We only see him a couple of times a year so this is a precious time.
Nell: Yes, it is but he’s here until Tuesday so we’ve plenty of time.
Me: I’m sure I’ll feel better later. I’m just going to have to rest a bit for now.
Nell: You’d better.
Me: Don’t worry.
Nell: I do worry. Now, drink your tea and stop talking. Today’s conversation is going to be a short one and everyone will understand why.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
