Me: We had a nice time on the beach, didn’t we?
Nell: I thought so.
Me: You decided the best thing to do would be to sit and wait for the others to come back from the sea.
Nell: The tide was far too far out for me to walk there.
Me: It was.
Nell: We could still see them.
Me: Yes, we could.
Nell: And we had a lovely chat.
Me: We did. I always enjoy my conversations with you.
Nell: It would have been better if you’d remembered to bring a flask of tea and some of Herr Hoffmann’s German biscuits.
Me: I know, but at least you were able to drink from the stream.
Nell: Yes. It’s all about compromise.
Me: It is. Talking of compromises, did you see that elderly dog in its lovely chariot?
Nell: Chariot? Don’t you mean pushchair?
Me: I think chariot sounds better.
Nell: Why?
Me: It’s more like you. Boudicca the warrior queen.
Nell: Here we go.
Me: Riding into battle in her chariot.
Nell: What are you talking about?
Me: Kev was thinking of adapting the old pram for you.
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: Using the frame to make you a chariot.
Nell: I am not a baby.
Me: No, but you get tired very easily nowadays. We want to take you with us.
Nell: I can still walk.
Me: Yes. It’s a compromise. You can walk a little and rest a little.
Nell: I’ll think about it.
Me: Lots of elderly dogs do the same.
Nell: I’m not sure I’m ready for a chariot yet.
Me: Life is all about compromises, isn’t it?
Nell: You’re right. I’m never not going to be with you, by the way. You and Me. Always. You know that.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
