Me: You were amazingly sprightly on the beach. You managed to get all the way down to the sea.
Nell: Yes. The sunshine put a spring in my step.
Me: So, who was that dog you were talking to?
Nell: What dog?
Me: The Golden Retriever you touched noses with.
Nell: We did not touch noses. I’ve never met that Golden before in my life.
Me: You were definitely chatting.
Nell: If you must know, it’s on holiday. It wanted to know the best places to eat.
Me: Did you tell it?
Nell: I said it all depended on what it wanted.
Me: True.
Nell: Nothing beats the Cottage Hotel for a spectacular view and excellent service but if you only need a coffee in town then Starbarks does an excellent cappuccino.
Me: How is John the Doberman, by the way? We never see him anymore.
Nell: Grieving. No one will ever replace Poppy in his heart
Me: I understand.
Nell: I’ve told him repeatedly that Poppy is not happy about it. She wants him to go out and live his life.
Me: I’m sure she does. How is she?
Nell: Enjoying life as a Guardian and waiting for me to join her.
Me: Don’t say that.
Nell: It’s the way of the world. We come and we go.
Me: I can’t bear to think of you not being here with me.
Nell: I will be with you. You and me. Always.
Me: Let’s talk about something else.
Nell: Yes. You’re still not well, so you’re having leek and potato soup for lunch with crunchy bread and farmhouse butter.
Me: Sounds good.
Nell: The afternoon will be spent making lists of Things To Do and reading.
Me: Things To Do?
Nell: We’re moving house next month. Remember?
Me: Yes. Sorry.
