Me: You’re watching me again.

Nell: It’s my job. You didn’t sleep well last night. Harriet and Nigel said you were reading for hours.

Me: I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and couldn’t switch off.

Nell: It’s this house sale, isn’t it?

Me: Yes, it is. We’ve had to lower the price again and it looks like we aren’t going to be able to afford the little cottage in the middle of nowhere.

Nell: There will be somewhere else. And wherever we go we’ll make it our home.

Me: You’re right.

Nell: Now, it’s the first of the month so you need to share the link to where people can support your writing.

Me: It’s: buymeacoffee.com/saramartin. Thank you in advance. Your support makes a huge difference to our small economy.

Nell: I know you don’t like asking for help but people understand and you publish a conversation every day.

Me: I’m also going to share a really sweet video of you dogs with Kev.

Nell: I’ll tell you one good thing.

Me: Please do.

Nell: The first of October means our beach is open to dogs again.

Me: Yes. That’s wonderful.

Nell: The sea always makes you happy.

Me: It does. We can’t go there today, but we’ll definitely go tomorrow.

Nell: Why can’t we go?

Me: You’ve invited everyone to afternoon tea.

Nell: Not everyone. Just the judges.

Me: Well, you definitely need to be there.

Nell: Yes, and Harriet can’t greet them with wet hair. She needs to look her best.

Me: Have we any idea how Nutkin will vote?

Nell: Nutkin is like a swing state. His vote could go anywhere.

Me: Maybe a nut roast would help?

Nell: It’s afternoon tea. Nutkin will be having sandwiches and scones like the rest of us.

Me: Yes. Sorry.