


Me: You know when we were in the Activity Field yesterday?
Nell: Yes, of course.
Me: And we said it was time to go home?
Nell: Yes.
Me: And you didn’t join us?
Nell: Not immediately. I was busy.
Me: We could see you hiding behind the tree stumps.
Nell: I wasn’t hiding.
Me: Dave looked for you everywhere.
Nell: Did he?
Me: You know he did.
Nell: David likes to run. It’s good for him.
Me: Why didn’t you come?
Nell: I wasn’t ready.
Me: It’s your arthritis, isn’t it?
Nell: It might be.
Me: We’re going to have to learn to pace ourselves.
Nell: Perhaps.
Me: Take things a little more gently.
Nell: Maybe.
Me: You never have to hide, Nell. If you’re tired just let me know.
Nell: I like hiding. Everyone running around searching for me.
Me: Kev and I knew where you were.
Nell: I know. You always do.
Me: Getting older isn’t easy.
Nell: It’s the way of the world. There’s nothing we can do to stop it.
Me: I wish we could.
Nell: Now, stop dwelling on things we can’t change and go and fetch a pot of Earl Grey and some shortbread.
Me: We’re not supposed to be eating shortbread.
Nell: Sometimes doing what we’re not supposed to do is exactly what’s needed.
Me: If you say so.
Nell: I can’t face another Jubilee Planning Meeting without something sweet.
Me: Who’s coming?
Nell: The Cat is chairing the meeting and Harriet will be taking notes. We’re talking food today so Poppy and her team will be presenting their menu ideas.
Me: Without the Platinum Jubilee Pudding.
Nell: Yes. David is no longer on the team.
Me: But he’s such a keen eater, Nell.
Nell: And therein lies the problem.
Me: Yes. Sorry.