Nell: I need you to explain all this to me again, please.
Me: The weather is very hot at the moment.
Nell: Yes.
Me: And you are an elderly dog.
Nell: I am aware of that.
Me: We can’t go on the main beach yet because it’s closed to dogs until October.
Nell: I know.
Me: And the walk to River Beach is too far for you.
Nell: Is it?
Me: Yes. If you remember, Kev had to fetch the car and collect you and I from the bottom of the hill.
Nell: So?
Me: He wasn’t actually allowed to do that. He just did because you were struggling.
Nell: I see.
Me: And he can’t do that again.
Nell: I don’t see why not.
Me: It’s private access.
Nell: They wouldn’t mind.
Me: We’re going to take you all down to the river later when the sun eases off. It’s safer for me, too.
Nell: This getting old isn’t much fun, is it?
Me: No, it isn’t.
Nell: My friend Emily was 14 yesterday.
Me: Yes, I know she was. I love Miss Em and I thought we could feature her today.
Nell: Everyone loves Emily.
Me: They do.
Nell: Especially Janet.
Me: True. You and Emily have a lot in common.
Nell: Wisdom?
Me: It wasn’t the first thing I thought of.
Nell: Beauty?
Me: Definitely, but I was going to say stubborn and strong willed.
Nell: We know what we like.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And we know what we don’t.
Me: You certainly do.
Nell: And we’re both greatly loved.
Me: Without doubt. And by so many.
Nell: You know you should have featured Emily yesterday, don’t you?
Me: Yes.
Nell: Because yesterday was her birthday.
Me: I didn’t know until later.
Nell: Just saying.
Me: Sorry.
