Nell: This is not the way I wanted to start my week.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: With photos of Nigel and that wretched cat.
Me: He’s not a wretched cat. He’s Xav the Cat. He’s extremely handsome and he’s Nigel’s best friend.
Nell: He’s a cat.
Me: I thought you’d got over your annoyance with Nigel.
Nell: Who has a cat as a best friend?
Me: You did.
Nell: The Cat is different. It’s unique amongst cats.
Me: Everyone is unique, if you think about it.
Nell: Don’t start all that.
Me: Just saying. You sound a bit grumpy this morning. Did you sleep well?
Nell: Watching over you all can be a little tiring at times.
Me: I thought you were just watching over me?
Nell: I am, most of the time.
Me: But not last night?
Nell: No. Last night I checked on Alice and the grandchildren and then I had to check in on Chris, Shannon and Marvin because of the wildfires.
Me: They’re all fine. We FaceTimed yesterday.
Nell: I know you did but I needed to see for myself.
Me: Did it involve flying?
Nell: I beg your pardon?
Me: Did you have to fly to Germany and then over to Canada?
Nell: What are you talking about?
Me: I don’t know how it works.
Nell: Obviously not.
Me: I thought you might have wings.
Nell: Wings? I’m a Labrador, not a bird.
Me: But you’re a Guardian.
Nell: If you must know I just have to think very hard about you.
Me: And then you part the clouds and look down?
Nell: Good grief.
Me: It’s what I imagine happens.
Nell: Imagine what you like, just know that you are all being watched over.
Me: Through the clouds?
Nell: Enough.
Me: Sorry.
