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“I’m … I’m fine,” she stammered. “Just thought I saw something, it startled me … probably a rabbit or something.”
    Sara looked at her. “You sure?” A couple of others had arrived to see what the commotion was.
    “Yeah,” Jenni said, composing herself a bit more. “I’m okay. Just let me, um, finish up here.”
    “Sure,” Sara said, and she collected the others. “She’s okay, let’s give her a minute.”
    Jenni watched Sara walk back to camp with Tori and Marco, the others who had come running. Sara looked back once and Jenni gave her a thumbs up before returning her attention to the latrine.
    She replayed the incident in her mind and realized the little man hadn’t just disappeared as it seemed at first. She looked around — There! That rock wasn’t there before . She took a step closer and knelt down. A blue eye winked open and quickly closed.
    Jenni breathed a small sigh of relief — she hadn’t gone completely out of her mind. Curiosity took over. “It’s okay, I see you there. I won’t hurt you,” she said quietly.
    “Them gone?” the rock asked.
    Jenni checked the camp again. “Yes, we’re alone.”
    The image of the rock disappeared, revealing the tiny man again. He stood perhaps a foot and a half tall with a round face, overly large nose, and plump arms that ended in only three fingers and a thumb. His skin had the tan of someone who spent a lot of time outdoors, but with few wrinkles. The wiry blonde hair on his head was covered by a simple beige cap that looked to be finely spun wool. His other clothes were of similar weave, but darker in color, and he had dark leather shoes that reminded her of Indian moccasins.
    Jenni thought briefly about the creature Deena had described, but she had mentioned big ears. This fellow’s ears were hardly noticeable under his cap and curly hair. His shy smile also gave no hint of teeth sharp enough to tear flesh.
    “Ask again, what are you?” His voice was rough and surprisingly low for someone so small.
    “What am I?” Jenni repeated, surprised. “I’m human. What are you?”
    “Human,” he said, trying the word out on his tongue. “I Nomenstrastenai . ”
    “Wow, that’s a mouthful.”
    “Why you here?” he then asked, peering at her with his large, inquisitive eyes.
    Jenni blew out a breath. “That’s a good question. We have no idea why or how we got here.”
    He got a sad look on his face, then said, “You lost. I help.”
    Jenni smiled at him. “Thanks, we could use some help. Let’s go introduce you to Ms. Pap and the others.” She stood up and beckoned him forward. He looked warily at the camp for a moment, then followed her.
    “Oh, by the way, my name’s Jenni. What’s yours?”
    He looked perplexed. “Name?” Then he brightened and pointed at her. “Ah, you Jenni.” He then pointed at himself and said something she had no hope of pronouncing. He saw her disappointed look and stopped to think. Shortly, he said, “I name, Crank.”
    “Crank?” Jenni laughed and extended her hand down to him. “Okay, Crank. I’m pleased to meet you.”
    He smiled back and held out his hand in similar fashion. She laughed again and took it gently in her own. “C’mon, let’s meet everyone.”
    She released his hand and they went to find Ms. Pap.
    Most of the class was awake and moving around, trying to get ready for whatever the day held. The sun had crested the eastern ridge and it was already warm. The afternoon promised to be a hot one.
    They found Ms. Pap tending to Deena and Todd. Both were still asleep. Jenni crouched next to them with Crank at her side. Ms. Pap had the first aid kit out and was concentrating on Deena’s dressing.
    “Ms. Pap,” Jenni said. “I’d like you to meet Crank.”
    “What, Jenni?” Ms. Pap looked up and froze, her mouth dropping open.
    Crank examined Deena and Todd with great interest. He turned his attention to Ms. Pap and held out his hand as Jenni had shown him before. “I,