Nell: How are you this morning?
Me: I’m relieved the tooth has gone and in a bit of pain, but I’m fine.
Nell: You sound dreadful.
Me: It’s going to take time. The dentist told me it would.
Nell: But it all went well?
Me: It did. I was scared but brave.
Nell: Good girl.
Me: Dentistry has come such a long way since I was a child.
Nell: I should jolly well hope so.
Me: Anyway, I’m very glad it’s over.
Nell: Are you able to eat?
Me: Not much at the moment. I had some delicious ice cream yesterday.
Nell: You can’t have ice cream for breakfast.
Me: I know. I’m going to have soggy cereal.
Nell: Soggy cereal?
Me: It needs to be soft. And lukewarm tea.
Nell: Lukewarm tea?
Me: It can’t be too hot.
Nell: Now you’re making me miserable.
Me: Make yourself a nice cup of Earl Grey and some hot buttered toast and marmalade and you’ll feel much better.
Nell: Can you eat toast?
Me: No, it’s too crunchy.
Nell: I give up. Moving on, why is Nigel with you so early? And why is he wearing a leaf on his head?
Me: Charlotte’s away visiting friends for the weekend.
Nell: Oh yes. I forgot. How are the preparations for the Beefy Halloween Ball coming along?
Me: Well, I think. Dave’s still wearing his hat.
Nell: You wouldn’t have been able to go to the ball even if they had invited you.
Me: No, I wouldn’t. It’s definitely going to be a quiet weekend for me.
Nell: Yes, take time to rest and recuperate.
Me: With soggy cereal and lukewarm tea.
Nell: Good grief.
Me: Thank you for being there, Nell. I could feel you watching over me.
Nell: Always.
Me: Yes. Sorry.
