Connie made her way through the crowd of Who's, pushing and shoving just to make it to the other end of the street in one piece. Everyone around her, laden with packages and brilliantly wrapped gifts, didn't even notice her. Which she found surprising. She was the only person in the town with a regular human nose and hair hanging around her shoulders as opposed to the intricately braided and overly-done hair-do's that all the other ladies, and even gentlemen, sported.

And she was apparently proportioned the wrong way. Too thin. Their hips all bulged out widely but that was the only part of them that seemed to carry any weight.

Connie had thought she'd at least receive an interested, or perhaps even revolted, look from one or more Who. But they were all busy shopping. Running around like mad as the clock above their heads counted down how long they had until Christmas to the minute.

This was all a culture shock for the young human girl. She was sure she looked completely lost and possibly even slightly scared. Why did no one notice? The Grinch would have by now. And perhaps, in his own way, even try to rectify the situation. By cracking a joke. Or by making fun of the Who's. Or both. Most likely both.

But even in his gruffness and apathy Connie could see a caring man beneath. One who was very conscious of what others thought of him. And tried to be the best he could be. She appreciated him for that. And for never trying to be something he wasn't. Connie found herself glancing up to the looming Mt. Crumpet more than once throughout the day.

"Why hello there," a sudden voice sounded in front of her, causing Connie to come to an abrupt halt and look up to see who it was that had taken her from her thoughts.

The Mayor. How often had the Grinch pointed him out to Connie over the past few days, lifting her up in his strong green arms to peer through his telescope? Too many. The greasy hair, fake smile, and overly-polished shoes were as familiar to Connie as the Grinch himself.

"Hello, Mayor Who," Connie responded, nodding to him.

"And, um, what are you?"

"I am a human. I was transported here on accident and have been trying to find my way back home ever since."

"Well perhaps I could help you." Why was this dialogue reminding her of a fairy tale that had a child-snatching villain in it?

"Oh, that's very kind of you, but I'm already getting help."

"How interesting. I've heard nothing from the Who's..." The Mayor sounded worried and glanced around at his people as if one would stop in their busy schedule and explain why they had neglected to tell him of Connie's existence.

"Oh, no. None of the Who's know I exist. They are too busy shopping for Christmas..."

"That's a relief, then. But who is offering you help?" The Mayor looked down his nose at her, an eyebrow lifting. Connie withheld a sneer; now that his dominance had been reaffirmed, he felt it necessary to establish the fact that he was in charge of the conversation and, probably, to her situation as a whole.

"The Grinch." Two words. Deadly words. They did just the trick. The Mayor's face lost all color and superiority as he thought of the creature who thrived on ruining the Who's favorite day of the year.

"Th-the Grinch? He's actually helping you?" Even his voice had started to shake. Connie found herself rather enjoying this.

"Uh-huh. We've become great friends. Now, if you'll excuse me, he's waiting." She side-stepped the Mayor and grinned widely at his silent response as she made her way over to the garbage dump. Perhaps her visit wasn't completely in vain.