[ Any ordinary person would have seen nothing but a canine lolling off the bed, mouth open reflexively to yawn rather than with the intent to feast upon his flesh.
But Frederick, consumed suddenly by irrational fear - because that's what all childhood phobias are at their core, irrational and unjustified - sees only a predator, and wonders if this is where he dies, alone in his room in a foreign land.
Well, no. If he's going to die, he may as well die putting up a fight.
Still a mess on the ground, he lifts one hand, gritting his teeth. ]
i'll wait for you forever!!
But Frederick, consumed suddenly by irrational fear - because that's what all childhood phobias are at their core, irrational and unjustified - sees only a predator, and wonders if this is where he dies, alone in his room in a foreign land.
Well, no. If he's going to die, he may as well die putting up a fight.
Still a mess on the ground, he lifts one hand, gritting his teeth. ]
Away, foul beast, away!
[ That's the irrational fear talking, probably. ]