“Hi,” he said when he got to the group. “This little girl just wandered up to me. I think she’s from in the TD area. She says her name is Mimi.”

“Hello, Mimi,” the woman said, squatting down in front of the girl. “I’m Dr. McBain. I’m not a doctor like you probably know, I’m what’s called a biologist. I study plants and animals. This is Dr. Weaver, he studies stars and stuff. What’s your name? Do you know your address?”

“Mimi Jones, 12138 Mendel Road, Orlando, Florida, 32826,” the girl recited again.

“And what’s that on your shoulder?” McBain asked, eyeing it warily.

“That’s my friend,” Mimi said, patting the thing. “His name is Tuffy.”

“Do you know where your mommy is?” the biologist said.

“No, I was watching Power Puff girls and then I woke up in the dark. I was scared but Tuffy told me it would be okay and then I walked to the lights. I’m hungry.”

“Tuffy told you?” Weaver said, squatting down by her also.

“Kinda,” the girl said and giggled. “He doesn’t talk, he doesn’t have a mouth like us. But I know what he means. I was really scared but he made me be brave and told me to go to the lights and get some food. I’m hungry.”

“We’re out of pizza,” Weaver said, waving at the SEAL officer. “Would you like some nice MREs?”

“I dunno,” the girl admitted. “I don’t like peas, though.”

“No peas,” Weaver said as the SEAL, shaking his head, went to get some MREs.

“Dr. Weaver,” the cop said, coming over and squatting down with the others. “That’s got to be impossible.”

“What do you mean?”

“Were you at home, Mimi?” the deputy asked, softly. “When you fell asleep that is?”

“Yes,” Mimi said.

“That’s impossible,” the cop repeated. “Mendel is about three blocks from here.”