Nell: You look tired.
Me: I’m not sleeping very well. We went to our special beach late yesterday afternoon to see the island and remember you.
Nell: Thank you. It looks as beautiful as ever.
Me: It was, but, if I’m honest, I struggled being there without you.
Nell: I understand.
Me: You and I always walked slowly along the beach together, far behind the others.
Nell: Yes, we did.
Me: Taking our time and chatting to each other.
Nell: Yes. I remember.
Me: I miss you so much, Nell.
Nell: I know you do. It will get easier with time. I promise.
Me: Dave and Harriet had a wonderful time. They both went swimming in the sea.
Nell: Good for them.
Me: We’re very lucky to live where we do.
Nell: You are.
Me: It isn’t the same without you. The house is so quiet.
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: You liked to make your voice heard, Nell.
Nell: I still do.
Me: I’m never going to get tired of hearing your voice.
Nell: Good, because you’re never going to have to.
Me: Thank goodness for that.
Nell: Now, is there any news on Rupert and Lionel?
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: Has Lionel pulled himself together yet?
Me: Not really. He still has a matted mane.
Nell: Oh dear. What about Rupert?
Me: Rupert doesn’t have a mane.
Nell: That’s not what I meant. How is he?
Me: He’s gone a little Italian, if you must know.
Nell; A little Italian?
Me: He’s started delivering spaghetti bolognese with the newspapers.
Nell: In Tupperware containers?
Me: Yes. I suspect he’s working with Stanley.
Nell: Sherlock Martin strikes again.
Me: What does that mean?
Nell: Of course he’s working with Stanley. The question is why.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
