Slappy- Following for Two Blocks

We each carried a bulging bag outside. It had snowed for most of the afternoon, and the front yard was covered with three or four inches. A bright half moon made the snow gleam like diamonds.
The snow made nice crunchy sounds as we walked down the driveway. Elena’s house is only two blocks away. No one had shoveled the walks. The street, the sidewalks, all the front yards were covered in sparkly white.
Mom and Dad always walk fast. I had to jog to keep up with them. I heard Brandon’s heavy, crunching footsteps behind me.
...

Elena stepped back to let us in. But then she stopped. Her eyes went wide as she stared past Brandon.
“Ray, you brought your dummy!” she cried.
“Huh?” I blinked. I spun around.
Slappy sat behind me on the stoop, facing me, his lips twisted in an ugly grin.

- Slappy New Year!, chapter 18