Me: The puppies seem tired this morning.
Nell: They were up late playing Twister with the llamas.
Me: Twister should be easier with four legs.
Nell: Have you ever played it with a llama?
Me: I can’t say I have.
Nell: Well, don’t. They cheat.
Me: How can you cheat?
Nell: Leg Nipping and Intentional Falling Over.
Me: Falling Over is part of Twister.
Nell: Not the way they do it. Anyway, what do you think about an Indian Takeaway this evening?
Me: I’d love that, although I’m not sure you dogs should eat it.
Nell: We’re going out.
Me: Where?
Nell: The Cat’s hosting a party for Roary’s birthday. Both Lionel and Herr Hoffmann are invited so there will be nobody in the kitchen.
Me: What about Malcolm and Manuel?
Nell: They’re going too.
Me: Is everyone invited except me?
Nell: Not everyone.
Me: The Welsh Corgi Choir?
Nell: They’re singing.
Me: The Whippets Institute?
Nell: You can’t have a party without a Big Band.
Me: Are the Beefies invited?
Nell: No, but they’ll probably show up. They always do.
Me: Are Henry and Horst going?
Nell: Of course. You can’t have a party without the Woodlice Brothers.
Me: Why can you have one without me?
Nell: Kev isn’t going.
Me: I’m glad he wasn’t invited either.
Nell: He was. He just decided to stay home with you.
Me: Am I really the only one not invited?
Nell: You were. I declined on your behalf.
Me: Why?
Nell: You could do with some quiet. It’s been a difficult time recently with the anniversary of Alex’s death.
Me: It has.
Nell: And an Indian takeaway with Kev watching a film together in front of the fire is exactly what you need.
Me: It is.
Nell: Happier now?
Me: Yes. Sorry.
