Nell: It’s rather early.
Me: Look at the sunrise over the fields. Isn’t it beautiful?
Nell: It’s quite pleasing, I suppose.
Me: I love the colours. Magical.
Nell: Personally, I’d rather be asleep.
Me: I can smell baking, so Herr Hoffmann must be busy in the kitchen.
Nell: He’s been up for hours. He insists on fresh rolls for breakfast and who are we to argue?
Me: I thought yesterday’s roast was delicious.
Nell: Not quite up to Poppy’s standards but not bad at all.
Me: Adding red cabbage gave it a German feel.
Nell; I agree. What I like about Herr Hoffmann is that he isn’t trying to replace Poppy. He does things in his own way.
Me: So you like him now?
Nell: I never didn’t. I just need time.
Me: He doesn’t seem as tired.
Nell: No, I asked him why.
Me: What did he say?
Nell: ‘Bears get tired in the cold and it isn’t cold here.’
Me: I see.
Nell: And ‘Bears need to be needed and I’m needed here.’
Me: He’s right. Did he say anything else?
Nell: None of your business.
Me: You’re going to have to tell me now.
Nell: Don’t read anything into this because he says it all the time.
Me: Tell me.
Nell: ‘Vanna bear hug?’
Me: I like your German accent. Did you have one?
Nell: It would have been rude not to.
Me: Do you know what? Just like the sunrise, things are starting to get a little lighter.
Nell: Yes.
Me: I was dreading going to the activity field without Poppy, but seeing you all having fun made me realise life has to go on.
Nell; It does.
Me: Vanna bear hug?
Nell: Stop that. You’re not German and you’re not a bear.
Me: No. Sorry.
