(Pause.)

‘Sometimes, you just can’t,’ said the dishevelled little owl.

‘I don’t know what “can’t” means,’ said the small girl.

‘“Can’t” means “don’t”,’ said the dishevelled little owl.

‘It means “don’t do it now…”’

‘Don’t do it now?’ asked the small girl.

‘Don’t do it yet,’ said the dishevelled little owl.

(Pause.)

‘So...’ said the dishevelled little owl. 'Be brave.'

‘I will,’ said the small girl.

‘Go gently,’ said the dishevelled little owl.

‘I’ll try,’ whispered the small girl.

‘Be kind to yourself,’ said the dishevelled little owl.

‘I will,’ sighed the small girl.