'What is that smell?'
Miranda wrinkled her nose and glared. In the corner of the office she could see a cage, bedding, a water bottle.
'Hay!' said Luísa enthusiastically.
'No, that's not it.'
Max was cuddling a blob of fluff. Ginger and white. She could detect a beady eye. She shuddered.
'Look! Isn't he cute.'
'Where did you get that thing from?'
Max looked offended.
'His name is Moonpig and he's my neighbour's pet.'
Miranda rolled her eyes.
'This isn't bring your child to work day. Get rid of it.'
Max glared balefully at her while the fluff squeaked indignantly to the tune of what sounded vaguely like the full monty theme tune.
'He'll be in his cage minding his own business.'
'He smells. Make him stop singing. And you stop singing.'
Max was making revolting cooing noises at the creature while Luisa trotted up to beg to hold him. Miranda contemplated taking the day off citing disruption to work, resulting in a migraine from incessant squeaking and noises of encouragement.
'Look at him, he's so cute.'
Luísa held him aloft like Simba and jiggled him in time to his squeaks. Miranda made a face. She had no desire to see anyone's nether regions. The guinea pig yawned and to her horror she saw that he had just two teeth. He looked like a demon baby.
'Moonpig for mascot!' Cheered Luísa, brandishing a stick of celery in his face while he latched on and expertly stripped the stalk with his baby teeth. The crunchy munchy noises was going to annoy Miranda. She sighed. It was going to be one of those days.