Me: It’s raining again.
Nell: I know.
Me: Chris hasn’t had very good weather.
Nell: He doesn’t mind. I’ve told you that.
Me: I want the sun to shine for him.
Nell: It did yesterday. You had quite a busy day, didn’t you?
Me: Yes, it was the eighth anniversary of my mother’s death, so Chris, Charlotte and I went to her grave.
Nell: Your little sister Alex’s ashes are buried there too, aren’t they?
Me: Yes, and my beloved stepfather‘s. The graveyard is in the most beautiful place. So peaceful.
Nell: I remember. I was there when you said your first goodbyes.
Me: You were.
Nell: And after that you went to the Cottage Hotel for a lovely lunch on the terrace.
Me: We did.
Nell: Without me.
Me: Without anyone else. It was just us three.
Nell: How is the Cottage Hotel? It’s a long time since I was there.
Me: Wonderful. The staff are so kind and the views are spectacular. It really is my favourite place.
Nell: I know and I’m glad you went there with your sister and Chris.
Me: So am I.
Nell: It’s important to share happy memories but also to make new ones.
Me: It is.
Nell: And later you, Chris and Charlotte went on a lovely walk with David, Harriet and Nigel.
Me: We did.
Nell: But not me.
Me: You were tired from yesterday’s walk and Kev stayed back with you.
Nell: It was most kind of him to wait with me.
Me: Wait for what?
Nell: For you all to come home.
Me: Oh, I see.
Nell: It’s what we dogs do.
Me: Yes.
Nell: They’re watching over you. Always.
Me: I miss them so much.
Nell: Of course you do.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
Nell: No sorries. Not today.
