Nell: You look terrible.
Me: I had a horrible dream that Dave slipped his lead and ran away.
Nell: That’s because Henry and Horst have gone missing.
Me: We were staying in a big city like Toronto and I was calling and calling for him but he’d gone.
Nell: It was just a dream.
Me: I went to the police and asked them to look out for a giant black Labrador.
Nell: Can I stop you right there, please? As you can see, David is fine. He’s looking up the stairs in a concerned way because he knows you’re worrying about him.
Me: No, he’s looking at Harriet because she won’t come downstairs.
Nell: Why not?
Me: I don’t like to say it, but sometimes Harriet can be a little bit of an Attention Seeker.
Nell: Surely not?
Me: I think she might get that from you.
Nell: From me?
Me: You always liked to be the centre of attention.
Nell: Nonsense. I demand attention when I need it which is something entirely different. Why were you and David in Toronto?
Me: I think it was because I was talking to Chris last night. Poor little Marvin has a bad ear infection and had to go to the vets so I was worried about him.
Nell: I see. Well, it obviously all came together in one horrible dream but that’s all it was.
Me: Yes. When I woke up I still felt upset and called out for Dave immediately.
Nell: And did he come running to you?
Me: He didn’t need to. He was asleep right next to my bed like he always is. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. We had a wonderful cuddle.
Nell: We’re going to find Henry and Horst. Don’t you worry about that.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
