Do not go outside.

Ignore all cries for help no matter how human they sound, shouted Alex's dad.

He pulled the cellar door over and paused to look back.

And lock this door behind me.

The door slammed shut.

Alex locked it, walked down the stairs and and stood alone in the darkness, moonlight shining

through a crack under the door.

The basement was freezing cold.

She looked around the room, nothing but junk.

Toys from her childhood, broken furniture her dad had refused to throw away,

"'stacks of books and newspapers,

"'and her grandparents sold possessions.

"'She rummaged around and found her grandfather's recliner chair.

"'Well, somewhere to sit, at least,' she thought.

"'Alex dragged an old bike out of the way and pushed

the chair toward the middle of the floor. She searched through a chest of her grandmother's

belongings. Inside were a collection of porcelain figures, some knitting needles, and a hand mirror.

Alex picked it up, wiped some dirt away, and looked at her

reflection. Over her right shoulder, she saw a blanket and some cushions stashed underneath an old

photo album. They stank and were covered in dust. Everything was, but it was better than sitting there

freezing. She reclined back on the

chair, wrapped the blanket around her, and tried to sleep. Alex was startled awake by something

...