Me: I’ve been thinking.
Nell: Here we go.
Me: You know when we went over to the island when the tide was out?
Nell: Yes. We could walk all the way over to the hotel.
Me: I was watching you and Kev together just thinking your thoughts.
Nell: It’s what we do.
Me: After a while you gazed up at him in your special way.
Nell: I knew he needed me.
Me: Yes, and you needed him.
Nell: I did.
Me: And even though he was still staring at the island and thinking his thoughts he reached out and stroked your head.
Nell: I knew he would.
Me: And you were both happy.
Nell: We were.
Me: Just being there. Together.
Nell: Exactly.
Me: And that’s what you dogs do for us. The companionship you offer is such an incredible comfort.
Nell: It works both ways, you know. When you’re happy we’re happy.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And when you’re sad we’re sad.
Me: Yes.
Nell: I think you might be a little sad today.
Me: It’s just one of those days, Nell.
Nell: Well, I have some exciting news guaranteed to distract you.
Me: Tell me.
Nell: The Great Barberino has been asked to sing at the Burgh Island Hotel.
Me: Good for him.
Nell: And David is joining him on stage as a Special Guest.
Me: That’s exciting.
Nell: The posters say ‘The Great Barberino with Special Guest The Mayor of Kingsbridge.’
Me: But he isn’t the Mayor of Kingsbridge. What if the real mayor decides to go instead?
Nell: David’s going to wear his mayoral chain and The Cat has found him a beautiful red cloak.
Me: We don’t even know if the real mayor can sing.
Nell: Told you it would be a distraction,
Me: Yes. Sorry.
