Me: I’ve come to a decision.
Nell: Here we go.
Me: It’s no good everyone suffering because of my stupid cold.
Nell: Nobody is suffering.
Me: Harriet is selflessly caring for me when she is actually dreaming of running by the river.
Nell: She’s always doing that.
Me: And you’re busy organising the rota when all you want to do is have a collarless wander through the long grass.
Nell: I was actually thinking more of a nice cup of Earl Grey in the sunshine.
Me: Anyway, I’m doing a lot better, so it’s time for you dogs to go out and enjoy your lives.
Nell: Calm down. We’re perfectly capable of doing both.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: Kev’s taking Dave and Harriet for a good long walk by the river this afternoon and you and I are going to amble around the orchard.
Me: That sounds like the perfect solution.
Nell: Yes. Now, I’ve been meaning to ask what it was like travelling home from Germany with two bears?
Me: Easier than travelling to the United States with a glove puppet.
Nell: I beg your pardon? Are you running a fever again?
Me: I had a wolf glove puppet called Nick W Turner who was frisked at the airport in Washington.
Nell: Moving on, how was the flight? Was there enough room?
Me: It was a little hugger-mugger but we were fine.
Nell: I think I might leave it at that.
Me: Why?
Nell: So many questions and so little time.
Me: Right.
Nell: Why was the glove puppet called Nick W Turner?
Me: After my mother’s next door neighbour.
Nell: And what was he doing in Washington?
Me: He always came with me on business trips.
Nell: I need to lie down now.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
