Longer Features …

 
The bells are ringing. Speedy is out of town.

Norma is running the sandwich bar and café.

'You should order another cup of coffee and some of the fantastic cherry pie. And may I remind you that dogs are not allowed inside here?' the blond beauty says.

The llama puts down the menue and orders, 'Okay, Milady. That is a cup of hot chocolate and an apple pie for my friend Brom here, please. And a bowl of green tea for me, please. Tastes like hay and I like the taste of hay in the evening.'

'Oh.' Norma is quite surprised. 'Your dog can talk.'

'Yes', the llama says. 'My dog can even sing. Sing for us, my dog of terror. Sing for us, my dog of war. And dance, little dog.'

I stand up and move from one foot to the other and start singing,

'This old gray mare, she ain't what she used to be,
ain't what she used to be,
ain't what she used to be…'

'Off, dog, off!' the llama says. 'Not that song. The other one.'

'We're only making plans for Nigel
We only want what's best for him
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel just needs that helping hand

And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work

We're only making plans for Nigel
He has this future in a British steel
We're only making plans for Nigel
Nigel's whole future is as good as sealed, yeah

And if young Nigel says he's happy
He must be happy
He must be happy
He must be happy in his work

Nigel is not outspoken
But he likes to speak, and he loves to be spoken to (In his work)'

'OK', Norma says. 'I see. The joke is on me. Your dog can stay. And I will bring you your orders.'

'Happiness is here to stay', the llama says and, 'Cairo - Three.'

And the fortune cookie says,

Put your attention on the next step.

Today is Wednesday, the 23rd of September 2020.