Nell: That’s not your best face.
Me: It was cold and wild in the activity field.
Nell: I didn’t see you going wild.
Me: I prefer to stroll along with you. Kev does the wild thing with the puppies.
Nell: David and Harriet will be 7 next year which means they’re nearly middle-aged.
Me: Dave’s always a puppy to me. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: He has a greying chin.
Me: I don’t want to think about that. It was nice to see you smiling.
Nell: I always feel better after my arthritis injection.
Me: Kev says you’ve put on a tiny bit of weight.
Nell: It’s Christmas. Everyone puts on weight and one does not discuss a lady’s weight in public, by the way.
Me: It’s just us.
Nell: It is not and you know it.
Me: Well, I think you’re perfect.
Nell: Thank you. Now, what are we going to do about New Year’s Eve? Party, or no party?
Me: Personally, I’d rather have a quiet evening. It’s been a hell of a year and I just want it to be over.
Nell: I agree. How about a nice comfortable family time in front of the fire?
Me: Lovely.
Nell: David might want to sing and there’s always a chance of Gladys performing an interpretive dance, but hopefully not.
Me: No llamas cartwheeling?
Nell: Definitely not. They’ve been invited to the Big House Bash.
Me: More Cat Cocktails?
Nell: No. The Cat is hosting a fancy dress party.
Me: You must go if you want to, Nell. I will be fine here with Kev.
Nell: We’ve been through this difficult year together and we’re going to say goodbye to it together, too.
Me: Thank you.
Nell: No need for thanks. You and me. Always.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
