Nell: What’s the matter with David?
Me: He’s really grumpy. Darling Big Brave Beautiful Boy.
Nell: Something must have happened. He isn’t usually like this.
Me: I know. Dave has a sunny disposition. Bless him.
Nell: What’s going on?
Me: Knitwear Wolf doesn’t want to take him on The Popsicle Run.
Nell: Is Rupert still doing that?
Me: He only just started.
Nell: But the Weather Guardians say it’s not going to be hot again until the weekend.
Me: Well, the Beefies are still dehydrated. Rupert says they’re collapsing before his eyes.
Nell: Are you serious?
Me: Yes. The only thing helping them back on their little webbed feet is an ice-cold popsicle.
Nell: It’s trickery.
Me: No, it really helps.
Nell: They’re just using Rupert as an ice cream van.
Me: He doesn’t drive a van. He rides a motorbike. And there’s no room for Dave because the sidecar is full of frozen ice lollies.
Nell: They’re not dehydrated. They’re falling over like llamas to get a free lolly.
Me: But it’s making Rupert ever so happy. He comes back for the next batch smiling away.
Nell: The next batch?
Me: Do you know how many seagulls live around here?
Nell: How many Popsicle Runs is he doing?
Me: Loads. As soon as Herr Hoffmann’s frozen one batch he’s back for another. We’ve had to get a second freezer.
Nell: I don’t believe it.
Me: It makes sense. Everyone loves popsicles and the grandchildren are visiting soon.
Nell: Well, I’m on David’s side. This is ridiculous.
Me: It’s not ridiculous. It’s kind. And Rupert is a kind wolf.
Nell: He’s a gullible wolf.
Me: Maybe he doesn’t mind if the Beefies aren’t really dehydrated? Maybe he just likes making them happy?
Nell: Maybe you’re right?
Me: I am. Sorry.
