Nell: What are you doing up so early? Is something going on?
Me: It’s a medical sort of day. I have an appointment with the nurse first thing this morning and then Kev and I are off to the hospital later for a scan.
Nell: I see. Well, I hope you’re not expecting any deep conversations. I haven’t even had breakfast yet and Poppy is still resting.
Me: Dave seems tired too. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: The responsibility of being Mayor of Kingsbridge is weighing heavily on him at the moment.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: He’s afraid he might be forced to decide between movie stardom and mayoral duty.
Me: Can’t he do both? It’s an animation series.
Nell: Indiana Bones and The Raiders of the Lost Bark is an action movie of the highest order.
Me: If you say so.
Nell: Should David be cast then he will be performing his own stunts.
Me: That doesn’t sound like a very good idea.
Nell: Competition is fierce, however, so he may not get the part.
Me: What part?
Nell: Indy, of course. Word has spread across the animal kingdom.
Me: Did you say ‘kingdom’?
Nell: Yes. Animals of all shapes and sizes are keen to throw their collars into the ring.
Me: Don’t you mean hats?
Nell: Some might be wearing hats, I suppose.
Me: They’re not all coming here, are they?
Nell: Of course they are. We’re holding open auditions.
Me: But the family arrive on Monday.
Nell: Never fear. We’re going to erect a marquee in the field.
Me: A marquee?
Nell: Yes. It’s all under control. Babycakes Gillespie will be on hand with drinks and snacks for the queues.
Me: Queues?
Nell: Kindly stop repeating every word I say. It’s awfully tiresome.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
