Me: Dave’s looking awfully serious this morning. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. Do you think it’s because it’s Monday?
Nell: Why?
Me: That’s what I’m asking you.
Nell: I meant what’s wrong with Monday?
Me: Nobody likes Mondays. Especially when it’s grey and rainy.
Nell: I don’t mind Mondays at all. New day, new beginning.
Me: Good attitude.
Nell: Thank you. Anyway, it has nothing to do with the day of the week. David is Mayor of Kingsbridge and has heavy responsibilities.
Me: Such as?
Nell: Looking after the townsfolk.
Me: Townsfolk?
Nell: Stop repeating everything I say.
Me: I noticed Dave was keeping an eye on the stuffed tiger.
Nell: Good grief.
Me: He knows it’s feeling bereft now that Bumper has returned to the US.
Nell: It doesn’t have feelings. It’s a toy.
Me: That’s what you think. Look at its poor little face.
Nell: Do stop.
Me: Is Dave worried about me?
Nell: Should he be?
Me: No, but I’m one of the townsfolk. Maybe it’s Tony?
Nell: It’s nobody in particular. David just wants everyone to be happy.
Me: Bless him. That’s never going to happen. There’s always a Grumbly Guts somewhere.
Nell: Grumbly Guts? What’s indigestion got to do with it?
Me: I mean bad tempered. Someone’s always going to complain. You can never please everyone.
Nell: Well, David wants to try.
Me: I still think he looks annoyed.
Nell: It might be Lionel, I suppose.
Me: Lionel King?
Nell: He’s suggested filming Raiders of the Lost Bark on the main beach. The island would look wonderful in the background and Snoopy and Lucy agree.
Me: What’s wrong with that?
Nell: Dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach until October.
Me: So Dave can’t film there?
Nell: No. But lions can.
Me: I see. Sorry.
