Drain, by Kirsten Mortensen

She first noticed the smell in her kitchen. Then in the bathroom.

And then she finally tracked it down.

It was the utility sink in the basement.

She held her breath to keep from gagging. Poured an entire gallon of Clorox down the drain.

 That should kill it, whatever it is.

But then that night she sat up suddenly in bed.

 That smell — I can’t breathe!

And it hit her —

 It isn’t a smell. It’s something else — something else —

She grabbed her car keys.

 I’ll go to Mom’s.

She pulled at the front door.

But the door would not open…