Dark Matter.

“What?” Bernie stared, wide-eyed into the deep well. He was barefooted, and found it unusual that the bricks which lined the entrance to the mouth of Hell were so cold to the touch.

“Nothing,” the voice came again from the deep blackness. “Nevermind. I thought you were someone else. Go about your business.”

“Wait,” Bernie said. “Tell me. I can take it.” He realized then the words weren't so much coming out of his mouth as they were emerging from his brain. He shook his head. Why was he trying to extract information that he was nearly one hundred percent positive he didn't want to know. Especially from whatever entity lived down in this hole?

“Do you really want to know?” The voice seemed hopeful.

“No,” Bernie thought, closing his eyes as tightly as he could. However the words that actually escaped him were more positive. “Of course I do,” he said. “You know that. You've always known that.”

At first, the being from the well was silent. Then came a chuckle, dark and low-throated.

“Okay,” the voice said. “Then I'll tell you, though I must warn you that you might go mad. Are you sure?”

Bernie felt his head nod. The act seemed hopefully and utterly beyond his control. Stop it, he told his head. Stop nodding!

“Well then,” the dark voice said. “Here. Let me whisper it into your ear.”

There was a rushing of wind below Bernie's feet, like raspy wings scraping along the inside of a chimney. Except this wasn't a bat. This was something huge and horrible.

Bernie managed to gain control of his faculties once again, and screamed.