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?”