The tentacle pressed its tip against the girl’s temple, establishing communication.

Katie, she heard echoing inside her head. They’re coming.

She was confused, scared. It had trouble getting through her primal emotions.

Katie! it screamed into her consciousness. You have to get out!

Slowly, too slowly, she began to calm down.

“My parents,” she gasped.

No time! it responded. The window. Move!

Acting on instinct, she jumped out of bed, stopping only long enough to slip on a pair of shoes. After struggling to pull open the window, she slid outside.

The air was thick with the stench of sulfide. Pressing a hand over her mouth, the girl ran alongside the house, searching for the small door that led to the crawlspace. Finding and tugging it open, she lept inside, pulling it closed behind her.

In a corner of the house, she could see the tentacle retracting from the ducts. It moved to her and pressed once more against her temple.

Into the depths, Katie! Run!

She jumped into the hole.