Let Them Out

My elderly neighbor warned me to lock the basement door after midnight. I laughed it off

and left it open. That night, faint crying echoed from below. I checked but found

only old toys and empty steps. Suddenly, frantic pounding at my door.

My neighbor stood there, face drained white. You opened it. You let them out.

The crying started again, but now it filled every hallway, every floor,

every apartment. They were everywhere. And they were getting closer.