Nell: I can’t believe you forgot it was Marvin’s birthday yesterday.
Me: We all forgot.
Nell: Chris and Shannon didn’t.
Me: No, obviously not.
Nell: And neither did Marvin.
Me: No.
Nell: Poor young animal waiting to hear from us and hearing nothing.
Me: Don’t say that.
Nell: Not even a poem.
Me: You write the poems, Nell.
Nell: There we were tucking into roast beef and Yorkshire pudding while that poor little dog waited in vain for a sign.
Me: Stop that right now. Marvin had an absolutely wonderful day with Chris and Shannon. He went for a long walk and he had a special Birthday bone.
Nell: Yes, I was just teasing you. I FaceTimed with him as soon as I heard. He’s fine.
Me: I can’t believe he’s 5 already. It seems like yesterday that he was rescued.
Nell: The puppies are 7 on the 19th June, you know.
Me: Gosh. Yes, they are.
Nell: I’ve written a poem for Marvin, by the way.
Me: Really?
Nell: It’s only a short one. Would you like to hear it?
Me: Yes. Very much.
Nell: ‘Happy Birthday dear Marvin,
You wonderful boy.
We love you my darlin’
And send you much joy.’
Me: My darlin’?
Nell: He’s originally from Texas.
Me: I see.
Nell: May I continue?
Me: Of course.
Nell: ‘Everyone here
Wants me to say,
We’re sorry we forgot
Your important day.
Though that’s what we did
Please know this is true,
There’s never a moment
When we’d forget you.
You live in Toronto
A long ways away
But here in our hearts, bro,
Is where you will stay.’
Me: ‘Ways away’? And ‘bro’?
Nell: It’s Canadian and Chris says ‘bro’.
Me: Marvin’s going to love it.
Nell: Somebody had to step up.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
