A Test of Bravery

Me: What is going on with you dogs and the vacuum cleaner?

Nell: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Me: Yesterday when Kev and I were getting the house ready for the viewing.

Nell: I don’t like viewings. Turfed out of my home into the pouring rain.

Me: You had a lovely walk by the river.

Nell: You shouldn’t have been out in that weather. You’re still coughing.

Me: We had no choice. Anyway, back to the vacuum cleaner.

Nell: Nasty loud thing.

Me: Why did Harriet insist on staying on the sofa when it was being vacuumed?

Nell: It’s a test of bravery. You have to stay on the sofa for as long as you can She managed to beat her last time by quite a few minutes.

Me: Dave didn’t do very well, then. He watched it from my chair. Darling Big Not Quite So Brave Boy.

Nell: David struggles with noise.

Me: Not with making it. He has a really loud Big Boy’s bark.

Nell: Which is just as it should be. Not only is David the Mayor of Kingsbridge but he is Chief Protector of our home. Wherever that might be.

Me: What if Harriet is braver than Dave? Only, I think she might be.

Nell: Harriet’s bravery is quieter. The Chief Protector needs to appear bold and brave.

Me: Even if he isn’t?

Nell: Especially when he isn’t.

Me: So, it’s a sort of false bravery.

Nell: Yes. A lot of people have it. Especially those who are most afraid.

Me: Dave likes to come and sit close to me when something frightens him.

Nell: That’s because David is brave in a different way.

Me: What do you mean?

Nell: Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.

Me: Yes. Sorry.