Me: What is Kev wearing?
Nell: Where’s your hat?
Me: I’m still in my pyjamas, Nell.
Nell: It’s Kev’s birthday. Hats must be worn at all times.
Me: How are the preparations going?
Nell: The Hoffmann have put on a splendid breakfast buffet with English and German specialities.
Me: Perfect.
Nell: I’m afraid David chose a little too much of the English Breakfast by mistake, but there’s plenty more coming.
Me: I might have a German Breakfast.
Nell: You’re getting nothing without a hat.
Me: Alright, Mrs Bossy Boots.
Nell: I’ve written Kev a poem. Would you like to hear it?
Me: Yes. Very much.
Nell: ‘Let’s all shout ‘Hip Hip Hooray!
For Kev is 65 today!’
‘65? Are you quite sure?
Only yesterday he was 64.’
‘Of course he was,
Because, my dear,
His birthday comes
Just once a year.’
‘So it does.
Silly me.
He doesn’t look older
Than 63.’
‘Fetch the cake,
Where’s his crown?
He’ll need it
Now he’s sitting down.’
‘Light the candles!
Start the singing!
Pogo sticks to the ready!
Who is winning?’
‘Nobody’s winning.
It hasn’t begun.
Racing is for later.
Now is for fun.
Now is for celebrating
A very Dear Man.
Loved by his family
And the rest of the clan.’
‘You’re right,
Get the ice cream!
It has to be mango.
Get David!
And Harriet!
It’s time to tango!’
Me: He’s going to love that.
Nell: I certainly hope so.
Me: Are you ready to tango?
Nell: I think I might leave that to the younger ones.
Me: But if a certain handsome wolf in a forest green cardigan asks you to dance you won’t say no, will you?
Nell: It’s not about me, is it? Just make sure you tango with Kev when he asks you.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
