Me: Don’t look so sad.
Nell: It’s far too early for a conversation.
Me: Herr Hoffmann’s been up for hours making bread. It smells wonderful.
Nell: We’re not usually involved.
Me: We’re up early because Shel’s flight to Vancouver leaves at 2pm so he has to catch an early train.
Nell: I don’t like it when people leave.
Me: Nobody does, but he’ll be back in April.
Nell: That’s months away.
Me: You had a lovely lunch with him at the Cottage Hotel yesterday.
Nell: It wasn’t just me, though, was it?
Me: I didn’t know Gladys was in your handbag.
Nell: I told David not to put her in there.
Me: It was rather naughty.
Nell: Gatecrashing lunch like that.
Me: At least the llamas stayed at home.
Nell: Not even David can fit a llama into a handbag.
Me: True.
Nell: It was nice to be back at the Cottage Hotel.
Me: Yes. I’m looking forward to my writing retreat next week.
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: I’m going to the Cottage Hotel. Chris and Shannon are treating me to it.
Nell: You never told me.
Me: I did. I wasn’t able to go last year because of my cancer treatment. Remember?
Nell: Ah yes. Well, that is a good thing.
Me: Yes.
Nell: Dogs are allowed to stay at the Cottage Hotel.
Me: I know, but only in certain rooms and not in the restaurant.
Nell: And?
Me: And it’s a writers’ retreat.
Nell: My name is on the title of the book.
Me: Yes.
Nell: The conversations are with me.
Me: You’re needed at home while I’m away. Someone has to run the household.
Nell: You’re not going today, are you?
Me: No. It’s not until 2nd Nov.
Nell: I hate goodbyes.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
