Me: Look at this sweet photo of Chris with baby Harriet. Isn’t it adorable?
Nell: Yes.
Me: How tiny was she?
Nell: Very.
Me: You’re being a bit quiet this morning. Is something wrong?
Nell: I still haven’t heard from Rupert.
Me: Oh dear.
Nell: He hasn’t replied to any of my texts and he’s ignored the countless voicemails I left him.
Me: Maybe his iBone is broken, or not charged?
Nell: Rupert isn’t the kind of wolf to let that kind of thing happen.
Me: No, I agree.
Nell: He always makes sure to text ‘Good night, sleep well’.
Me: It is strange. Has anyone else seen him?
Nell: No. The newspapers haven’t been delivered either.
Me: Perhaps he’s decided to go away for a while.
Nell: Without telling me?
Me: It might have been a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Nell: It’s not like him at all.
Me: No, it isn’t.
Nell: To be honest, I’m getting really worried about him.
Me: I’m sure he’s fine, Nell.
Nell: This is so out of character.
Me: If we don’t hear from him soon we could always ask Walter to have a fly around.
Nell: Walter Pigeon?
Me: Yes. I’m sure he could rustle up a search party.
Nell: I’d rather ask Owl Pacino.
Me: I’m not sure the Royal Owl Force can get involved in something like this.
Nell: They will if I ask them.
Me: Let’s give it another day, Nell. I’m sure he’ll be in touch soon. He wouldn’t want you to be worried.
Nell: Which is exactly why I am. Running away isn’t something Rupert would do.
Me: I wouldn’t call it running away. He might just be taking some time for himself.
Nell: There’s something very wrong about all this.
Me: I’m beginning to agree with you. Sorry.
