The impressively large SUV was parked in the driveway. There was a small sticker on the rear window that read MY OTHER CAR IS A CANOE. Nobody questioned this. “Right,” said Ava, clapping her hands together with the confidence of someone who had managed complex construction projects and could certainly manage this.“

Everyone ready?” “I have prepared a Vehicle Safety Briefing,” said Danger Bear, producing a laminated document from somewhere in his fur. Everyone looked at him. “It will take approximately twenty minutes,” he added. “We are not doing a twenty minute briefing,” said Yogianna. “Fifteen,” said Danger Bear. “Danger Bear.” “It covers seatbelts,” he said firmly. “And what to do if we encounter a medium situation.” “We are going to Walmart,” said Yogianna. “Not a war zone.” Danger Bear looked at her with the patient expression of someone who knew things she did not. He said nothing. He simply held up the laminated document. Yogianna snatched it, read the first page in approximately four seconds, handed it back, and opened the car door. “Summarize it on the way. Everyone in.”

What followed was not so much a process as an event. Outback Bear had fallen asleep on the porch steps during the Safety Briefing discussion. He was gently shaken awake, pointed toward the SUV, confirmed he was “good as gold mate” and then walked directly into the side mirror. “Crikey,” said Ava. Outback Bear pointed at her approvingly. “She’s learning,” he said, and climbed into the back seat, where he immediately fell asleep again. Eugene got in. Eugene got out. Eugene found something interesting near the garden. Ava retrieved Eugene. Eugene got in. Eugene got out again to get his snack from the porch. Ava retrieved Eugene and his snack. Eugene got in and stayed in, but only because Ava sat next to him and held his paw.

Medved got in quietly, opened his laptop, and immediately connected to the SUV’s onboard system. The GPS, which had previously been set to English, switched to Serbian. Then it began suggesting an entirely different route to Walmart — one that appeared to go through three other countries. “Medved,” said Ava. “It’s more efficient,” said Medved, without looking up.

Yogianna attempted to get into the front passenger seat, sat down, stood up immediately, and examined the seat fabric with narrowed eyes. “Polyester blend,” she said, in the tone of someone identifying a crime scene. “Yogianna—” “I have sensitivities.” She produced a small blanket from her bag — cashmere, naturally — spread it over the seat with great precision, and sat down with dignity restored. Danger Bear got in, buckled his seatbelt, checked it twice, checked everyone else’s seatbelts, found Eugene’s unbuckled, buckled it, found it unbuckled again thirty seconds later, buckled it again, and then began summarizing the Vehicle Safety Briefing at considerable speed. “In the event of a small situation, stay calm. In the event of a medium situation, grab supplies. In the event of a very big situation—” “Pancakes,” said Permafrostia, who was learning. Danger Bear looked at her with deep respect. “Exactly.”

That left Georgia. Georgia stood beside the SUV and assessed the situation with great seriousness. Every single seat was taken. Every seat, by a bear of considerable size, except for one. Permafrostia’s lap. Georgia looked at Permafrostia. Permafrostia looked at Georgia “No,” said Permafrostia. Georgia tilted her head. “Absolutely not,” said Permafrostia. Georgia’s bow was very pink. Her tutu was very pink. Her eyes were very large and sincere. Permafrostia held her gaze for a long moment. She had stared down international criminals. She had negotiated with submarine captains. She had fainted with grace and recovered with dignity.

She patted her lap. Georgia was in the car before the pat had finished. She arranged herself with surprising delicacy, straightened her bow, folded her hands, and looked out the windshield with great satisfaction. Permafrostia, from somewhere beneath a small gorilla in a tutu, said: “She’ll be right.” “Crikey,” said Outback Bear approvingly, from the back seat, without opening his eyes. Ava started the engine. The GPS announced their route in Serbian. Eugene opened his snack. Danger Bear began summarizing page two of the Vehicle Safety Briefing. They were on their way.