While the talk with his younger brother had made Jared feel somewhat better, he remained worried and anxious as he headed to his bedroom. His brother was still a kid and likely didn't fully appreciate the seriousness of the situation.
Meanwhile, his brother tried to comprehend everything Jared had told him about Wepwawet and the possibility of turning back into a dog. If he hadn't seen Jared with his head in the toilet for a drink, he would perhaps have dismissed his older brother's worries as groundless.
He had pulled on pajamas and was pulling back the covers on his bed when he became aware of the smell of a sun-scorched asphalt parking lot and and marigolds. He looked on the other side of the bed and saw a nightmarish form with a canine-like face.
"Evening, young human," a voice creaked as if from disuse as the canine snout opened and closed out of synch with the voice. Beneath the voice, in sub-vocal tones, nails ratcheted across a chalkboard.
"You appear surprised, human," the snout opened and closed again on the dog-like face, but the movement bore no relationship to the words spoken.
"You...you're him!" Kevin stammered, his arms hanging at his sides, pajama top still unbuttoned, as he stared wide-eyed.
Wepwawet's form grew hazy as he passed through Kevin's bed. Reaching the other side, he placed a dark, clawed hand on the boy's shoulder. "I am here to help you, young human."
Kevin winced at the touch. "I don't think I want your help," he replied.
"Even if it assists your dear brother, human child?" Wepwawet sounded even more creepy when he wanted to sound helpful and benevolent.
But, as anticipated, Kevin's resolve wavered and...