Me: It’s Fayely’s birthday today!
Nell: Happy Birthday Faye!
Me: Chris and Shannon landed safely at Heathrow and are waiting for their onward flight to Berlin.
Nell: You sound tired. Were you tracking their flight all night?
Me: Not all night.
Nell: Ridiculous behaviour.
Me: I can’t help it.
Nell: Yes, you can.
Me: Anyway, they’re nearly there now and soon they will all be celebrating together.
Nell: Lovely. We are going to celebrate up here, too. Poppy has made a Victoria sponge cake and her famous scones.
Me: Will there be sandwiches?
Nell: Of course. Crusts off.
Me: I think we might do the same. I’ll ask Herr Hoffmann.
Nell: I’ve written a poem. Would you like to hear it?
Me: Very much.
Nell: Here it is:
‘Speak up, please!
What did you just say?
Are you seriously
Talking about Faye?
She can’t be seven.
That can’t be true.
Yesterday
She was only two.
I know time flies
When you’re having fun
But a few days ago
She was only one.
Yes, I know that’s nonsense,
But don’t blame me.
A week ago
She was only three.
You say she was six?
Shut that door.
A month ago
She was only four.
She might have been five,
But six, never.
And seven today?
Knock me down
With a feather.
Don’t just stand there
Fetch a cat.
Or do I mean
A party hat?
I think I do
For Goodness sake
There must be ice cream
And lots of cake.
And songs and games
On this happy day
Because Fayely is seven
And we all love Faye.’
Me: Thank you. She’s going to love it.
Nell: My pleasure.
Me: My pocketful of happiness is knowing they will all be together again.
Nell: It’s ok to miss them.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
