Last seen in the back seat of Mochi Appley, Kina’s stalwart friend Simone the Owl reappeared after a prolonged absence this week, noting only that she had been on a leisurely vacation in Florida—a theory first advanced by Kina’s parents but never confirmed. The reappearance of Simone, a plush white stuffie recently discontinued by her manufacturer, came as a shock to Kina, her closest companion and confidante, who offered a short comment: “I thought she was gone for a long long time in Florida!” Simone, an owl who can no longer be purchased on Amazon, appeared to be in excellent health, rejuvenated by months of seaside living. Her fur, once ratty, was noted by close family members to be “pristine and shiny”, and she was said to have shed her once-pungent aroma. Kina immediately notified her stuffie council of Simone’s return, triggering an unexpected shuffle in leadership that resulted in Baby Rainbow Cat’s banishment to a nearby cardboard box. Simone, who closely resembles backstock owls available from reputable smaller toy retailers, sported a fancy new tag on her left wing; experts believe that the tag—since removed—helped Simone gain access to local shipping companies in Florida, aiding her eventual return. When asked to comment on Simone’s mysterious vacation, Kina’s mother, Laurea, said, “She had a great trip. She looks great. Who am I to question where she’s been?” When contacted by this publication, Simone—of whom there are three still in stock—had no comment.

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