Nell: What’s Nigel doing on the bed with David and Harriet?
Me: Hiding from the vacuum cleaner.
Nell: It’s Tuesday.
Me: I know.
Nell: Nigel’s supposed to visit at the weekend.
Me: He stayed on.
Nell: Why are you vacuuming at this time of the morning?
Me: I couldn’t sleep.
Nell: Nobody’s going to sleep if you’re doing that.
Me: You might have a point there.
Nell: Stop right now.
Me: Alright, Mrs Bossy Boots.
Nell: Go and get a cup of Earl Grey and make yourself some hot-buttered toast.
Me: I’m not hungry.
Nell: Just do it.
Me: Fine.
Nell: And fetch some of Frau Hoffmann’s homemade marmalade.
Me: Would you like some tea?
Nell: I have a cup already, thank you.
Me: I forgot you’d gone just then.
Nell: I know you did.
Me: And now I’m in pieces.
Nell: It’s going to happen.
Me: I still can’t cope with coming home and you’re not there at the door with the others wagging your tail. It breaks my heart.
Nell: It will take time.
Me: This hurts so much
Nell: It will get easier. I promise.
Me: Kev and I are both struggling at the moment.
Nell: I know you are. Now, let’s try and find a pocketful of happiness.
Me: We can try.
Nell: Are you doing anything nice today?
Me: I’m finally going to the hairdressers.
Nell: Well, thank goodness for that. You look an absolute fright.
Me: That’s not very nice of you, Nell.
Nell: Harsh but true.
Me: I missed an appointment.
Nell: I can see that. You’re going to feel so much better when you’ve had your hair done.
Me: I hope so. I’m afraid I might burst into tears.
Nell: Sophie will understand. She has Dachshunds Hope and Leo.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
