Nell: Harriet is waiting for you by the window.
Me: Sweet girl. It’s not long now before I’m home.
Nell: I’ve told her you won’t be back until tomorrow but she says she wants to stay by the window just in case.
Me: Bless her little cotton socks.
Nell: How’s the writing going?
Me: I’m thoroughly enjoying myself.
Nell: Good.
Me: They’re all such interesting and talented people and they love words like I do.
Nell: Met any more dogs?
Me: Only one, but I need to tell you something about Miss Penny Lane.
Nell: The homeless chicken?
Me: The thing is, Nell, she isn’t actually a chicken. She’s a seagull.
Nell: Excuse me?
Me: A really good seagull. Not a Beefy.
Nell: How do you know?
Me: Erica and Meg told me in their letter. Penny and her family were chased up north by the evil Beefies.
Nell: Are you trying to tell me we’re taking in a whole family of seagulls?
Me: No. Just Penny, and she’s willing to work for her keep.
Nell: Doing what? Throwing mackerel?
Me: She’s an excellent photographer. I’m sure she will be a great asset.
Nell: Our Penguin is in charge of filming here.
Me: I know, but maybe Penny could help with promoting Indiana Bones and Raiders of the Lost Bark?
Nell: Maybe.
Me: I told the other writers about the animation series, by the way, and they’re crossing their fingers that it goes well.
Nell: It will. Trust me.
Me: It could change our lives, Nell.
Nell: I was only just saying to David that he’s going to be in great demand after the release of the film.
Me: Perhaps Penny could take some publicity shots of him?
Nell: Stop selling the seagull. It can come and stay.
Me: Sorry.
