Nell: So, when were you going to tell me?
Me: Tell you what?
Nell: There’s an elderly bear sitting on a large suitcase in the kitchen.
Me: An elderly bear? Is he wearing a fetching hat?
Nell: Yes, and spectacles. He’s brought us a bag of freshly baked bread rolls.
Me: Oh, that’s so sweet of him.
Nell: We think he’s asking for a Berlin Breakfast but nobody speaks German except you.
Me: It has to be Herr Hoffmann. He’s finally arrived.
Nell: I didn’t even know he was coming.
Me: Neither did I. I knew he was spending a few days in Paris and he said he might hop on the Eurostar.
Nell: Bears don’t hop. Especially elderly ones.
Me: But he wasn’t specific. I expect he wanted to surprise me. Bless him.
Nell: I knew you were going to bring that bear back from Berlin.
Me: You’re going to love him, Nell. Trust me.
Nell: Well, you’d better get into the kitchen before chaos ensues.
Me: Why?
Nell: He’s asking for sausages and you know Poppy doesn’t do sausages on Thursdays.
Me: He’ll be talking about cold sausages, like salami.
Nell: For breakfast?
Me: It’s a German thing. He’ll be happy with some boiled eggs and a slice of ham and some cheese.
Nell: We might as well make a picnic.
Me: Now, that’s an idea. Although, the weather’s a bit iffy and he might be tired.
Nell: Iffy?
Me: Unreliable.
Nell: Maybe you should stop talking to me and go and welcome your friend.
Me: You’re right. He’ll be feeling rather lost.
Nell: He didn’t seem lost. He was chatting away to David when I came to get you.
Me: I didn’t know Dave spoke German.
Nell: He doesn’t. But he’s an excellent listener.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
