Me: I love these photos of Alice.
Nell: I know. It’s why I chose them.
Me: Thank you. I can’t believe Alice’s 40 today. How did that happen?
Nell: You say that about every birthday.
Me: I do, don’t I?
Nell: But this time it’s true. She certainly doesn’t look 40.
Me: I know you normally write the poems, Nell, but on this occasion, as it’s a big birthday, I wrote her a poem myself.
Nell: That’s absolutely fine.
Me: Would you like to hear it?
Nell: I think we should.
Me: ‘They say life begins at 40,
I suppose this could be true.
What I know is 40 years ago
My life was changed by you.
The moment I saw your little face
And held you in my arms
I swore to keep you safe
And far away from harm.
My love for you, my darling,
Is more than words can say.
I’m so proud that you’re my daughter
And of the woman you are today.’
Nell: You did well.
Me: Thank you. It was from the heart.
Nell: I can tell.
Me: I hope she likes it.
Nell: She will. Trust me. Now, the results of Our Devon Darling are out tomorrow.
Me: Is it still tight between Stephen Seagull and Harriet?
Nell: Yes. I’m afraid the Cat Vote can’t be relied upon.
Me: Are they voting for Stephen?
Nell: According to the polls they could be voting for anyone. They’re refusing to say.
Me: Cats don’t like to commit.
Nell: Most of them refused to engage in any kind of conversation. Some even pushed the reporter’s hat off his head.
Me: How rude.
Nell: That’s cats for you.
Me: I wish I could give Alice a big hug.
Nell: You have with your poem.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
