Nell: Why isn’t anyone eating that carrot? The Puppies love carrots.
Me: It’s actually the sweetest thing.
Nell: No, it isn’t. A Labrador never wastes food.
Me: Dave noticed Harriet was feeling a little poorly.
Nell: Poorly?
Me: Under the weather.
Nell: Weather? Was she out in the rain?
Me: No. She wasn’t herself.
Nell: Who was she?
Me: She wasn’t well.
Nell: Why didn’t you say that before?
Me: I did. Anyway, she’s feeling a lot better today.
Nell: Thank goodness. It’s her birthday tomorrow.
Me: Yes, I know.
Nell: And David’s.
Me: I know that, too.
Nell: I hope you’ve organised the festivities.
Me: Do you want to know about the carrot?
Nell: Not really, but you might as well tell me.
Me: Kev gave Dave a carrot as usual but he didn’t eat it and we wondered if he might be feeling poorly too.
Nell: Is he?
Me: No. He left it for Harriet.
Nell: That was kind of him.
Me: It was. He even pushed it between her paws.
Nell: Thoughtful but wasteful.
Me: It didn’t go to waste, Nell. After a lot of Waiting he ate it himself.
Nell: Good lad.
Me: Yes. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy. He adores his sister.
Nell: It’s hard to believe they’re going to be nine tomorrow.
Me: That’s what I usually say.
Nell: I know I’m only their aunt but in many ways I felt like their mother.
Me: You were a mother to them, Nell.
Nell: I should be there celebrating with you all tomorrow.
Me: You will be in spirit.
Nell: I might ask Poppy to organise a celebration up here.
Me: Good idea. And you could always write a poem?
Nell: Of course I’m writing a poem. It’s Dave and Harriet’s birthday.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
