Me: What was going on just now when I walked into the living room?
Nell: Nothing.
Me: Something was definitely going on. I could tell by your faces.
Nell: It was just Morning Thoughts.
Me: No. You and Harriet looked really guilty.
Nell: Nonsense.
Me: And Dave looked annoyed with you and he hardly ever gets annoyed with anyone. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: You have far too much imagination for your own good.
Me: I know what I saw. What have you and Harriet done?
Nell: Fine. We might have licked the bowl.
Me: What bowl?
Nell: The cauliflower cheese bowl.
Me: With the leftovers in it?
Nell: Yes. It was lying there.
Me: But Dave licks that bowl.
Nell: I know.
Me: He always licks that bowl. It’s his treat.
Nell: I know.
Me: You get to lick other bowls.
Nell: Mine is always leftover salad.
Me: We’re watching your weight and you love salad.
Nell: And Harriet’s is always leftover steamed vegetables.
Me: Harriet loves vegetables.
Nell: Neither of those bowls have delicious sticky bits of cheese in them.
Me: True.
Nell: We thought it was our turn for a change.
Me: You knew it was Dave’s bowl.
Nell: Sharing is caring.
Me: Did you share your salad with him?
Nell: Not really.
Me: Did Harriet share her vegetables?
Nell: David doesn’t like steamed vegetables.
Me: I’m very disappointed in you both.
Nell: So is David. He said he would have shared it with us if we’d asked him.
Me: I bet that made you feel even worse.
Nell: It did.
Me: I don’t imagine you’ll be doing it again in a hurry.
Nell: I suppose not.
Me: You suppose?
Nell: It was cauliflower cheese and I’m a Labrador. What do you expect?
Me: Yes. Sorry.
