Me: I can’t believe we forgot Marvin’s Fourth birthday.
Nell: I knew he was out of sorts when I saw him in the blue chair.
Me: We don’t have a blue chair. Ours is yellow.
Nell: In Toronto. Chris sent us some photos.
Me: Do you think he’ll ever forgive us?
Nell: He already has. Marvin knows he’s loved and that’s all that matters.
Me: Belated Happy Birthday Darling Marvin from us all.
Nell: Finish your yoghurt and fruit.
Me: I don’t feel like yoghurt and fruit. Can’t I have pancakes?
Nell: No. That’s all there is. The New Poppy says hot breakfasts are unnecessary.
Me: I wish Our Poppy would come back. I miss her.
Nell: Don’t we all. Now, I’m going to tell you something but you have to keep it to yourself.
Me: I’ll try.
Nell: We had a secret Morning Thoughts today without Poppy.
Me: Where was she?
Nell: At the gym.
Me: Poppy doesn’t like the gym.
Nell: She does now and that’s not the point.
Me: No. Please continue.
Nell: We think The New Poppy might not be Our Poppy at all.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: As we see it, there are two possibilities. The New Poppy is an imposter.
Me: Gosh.
Nell: Or, Our Poppy has been hypnotised.
Me: Hypnotised?
Nell: Yes. It’s happened before.
Me: What can we do?
Nell: I’m not sure but this needs to be resolved by Wednesday.
Me: Why?
Nell: Poppy turns 10 and we’re not celebrating without her.
Me: Oh my goodness. I’ve just realised that if The New Poppy is an imposter then Our Poppy is out there somewhere frightened and alone.
Nell: Nothing frightens Our Poppy. Wherever she is you can be sure she’s fighting her way back to us.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
