



Nell: I need a serious word with you right now. No arguments.
Me: Let me tell you about my pocketful of happiness first.
Nell: Fine, but I’m not going to let this go.
Me: I was sitting in the activity field with you yesterday in the late afternoon sunshine wearing my hat and watching the puppies and Poppy playing.
Nell: It was good to be out.
Me: And then you ambled over to get them and I called you and you all came running towards me.
Nell: Less of the ambled please, I like to take my time in the field which is something you should be doing too.
Me: And as I watched you I realised how lucky I am to have you all in my life. You are such a joy.
Nell: And then things went very wrong.
Me: Don’t scold me.
Nell: Because when we got home you decided you were going to cook.
Me: I know.
Nell: And you began emptying the dishwasher.
Me: I did.
Nell: Which was a foolish thing to do on so many levels.
Me: I know.
Nell: It’s not your job. You’re not even a member of the washing up team. Manuel is in charge of that.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And your back started to spasm again.
Me: It did. Very badly.
Nell: And we were back to square one.
Me: Yes. It was awful.
Nell: Kev was annoyed with you.
Me: Yes, he was.
Nell: We all were. Even David.
Me: Dave still sat with me later. You all did.
Nell: You are doing nothing today.
Me: Yes.
Nell: And I mean nothing. Apart from the occasional walking around. No carrying, or bending, or lifting.
Me: I promise.
Nell: When you’re in pain we’re in pain. Understood?
Me: Yes. Sorry.