Jeffrey Wakes a Moment

As his eyes jerk open, Black Pants, the shadow bear, is gazing in the doorway, his yellow teeth dully glistening. But Jeffrey stares him down - he fades back into hallway dark. The boy wishes for a glass of water, but no, a row of claws or two may still be dripping into nothingness. He snuggles down, sets Spike the Rhino up on the pillow, pink horn high, lest hall shades gather shape again, or slouch-hatted Hook thump to the bed, and blow the roar of the sea through his wrinkled pirate's horn. Jeff knows with a watch like Spike, he's safe - and sleeps.