I’m awakened by the sound of my roommate’s voice. She brings a new meaning to the term, “sleeping soundly.” I can’t quite make out the words, though she sounds distraught. I figure I better check on her, so I slip out of bed and sneak across the hall. Placing an ear against her door, I listen.

“No, no, no— don’t go in the basement.“

With hesitation, I turn to look at the door at the end of the hall. I shudder.

“Don’t worry,” I whisper.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Haley.”

At the mention of my name, I crack the door enough to peek inside. I find my roommate asleep, small whimpers from her lips. Then she rolls over, leaving me to venture back to my room alone and more than a little freaked out.

The next morning, cradling a mug of coffee, I ask her about it.

“So, uh, what’s in the basement?” I chuckle.

Her head shoots up and her shoulders stiffen. “What?”

“You talked in your sleep again.”

She forces a laugh, visibly uncomfortable. I squint at her over my coffee. She’s looking everywhere but at me.

“Kate…”

She looks down, wringing her hands.

“What’s in the basement,” I ask again, seriously this time.

“Don’t be mad.”

I set my cup down and straighten in my seat. No promises.

She gulps. “I kinda, sorta, maybe, might have possibly opened a portal to the underworld. In our basement.”

I cock an eyebrow. “You what?”