Me: Why is Dave hanging his head like that?
Nell: Henry and Horst are still trapped in that palm tree.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: David hardly slept a wink all night worrying about them.
Me: He’s usually the one they talk to, isn’t he? I must admit I can never hear them.
Nell: David has keen ears.
Me: I hope they’re alright.
Nell: So do I. Now, in today’s Morning Thoughts we discussed how to proceed with their rescue.
Me: Why wasn’t I included?
Nell: You were writing. Anyway, the plan is for us all to go to the French Cafe.
Me: All of us?
Nell: Yes.
Me: Even the llamas?
Nell: No. Obviously not the llamas.
Me: What about Princess and Sir Roger Blubbery?
Nell: You can’t have seals in a cafe. All that clapping would ruin the ambience.
Me: True. Am I included?
Nell: That’s still up for debate.
Me: I could wear my hat with ears.
Nell: Then you’re definitely not coming.
Me: Who is?
Nell: I will be there with Harriet and David.
Me: That’s not everyone.
Nell: We will also be joined by Malcolm and Gladys.
Me: Malcolm’s an awfully shy flamingo. Do you think he will cope with the stress of it all?
Nell: Malcolm is key to the whole thing. He will be rescuing Henry and Horst while we cause a diversion.
Me: Are you sure Malcolm is the right choice?
Nell: He has a long neck, sharp beak, gentle ways and he doesn’t mind sticky things.
Me: Right. What’s the diversion?
Nell: Gladys will perform an interpretive dance and I’m going to complain about the food.
Me: But what if they’re using Poppy’s recipes? You’d never complain about those.
Nell: Poppy knows it is for Henry and Horst.
Me: Of course. Sorry.
