The new tenants never spoke, never blinked, and never cast shadows. But they always waved back. That was probably why they were able to stay.

It was an old building, full of creeping things that only came out at night. The new tenants never made much sound, either. They lived above me, and I never had to tell them to quiet down.

One night, I heard my front door open. I knew I had locked it with all three deadbolts. I grabbed a golf club and brought it under the covers with me.

It wasn’t truly dark, it was city dark. So I was able to see the sash on my window raise by itself, with no shadow, and no shape touching it.

I froze.

I closed my eyes and prayed whatever they all wanted was my things. I knew it had to be one of my new neighbors that came in the window. I also saw the doorknob turn.

I pretended I was asleep, but I had that golf club right under me. And no, I never golfed. I kept my eyes just open enough to see what was going on.

The man who opened the door was of average height. That made him even scarier. A dresser drawer rattled. The man pointed his knife in the direction of the sound.

I could only see a tiny bit of the blade, but I knew I was in trouble. I eased the golf club just a bit farther away from my body, so I could whip it out when he came near. I was counting on the element of surprise.

The moment came, and I tossed the covers aside but he pushed me back down. No, it wasn’t the man. The man was pressed against the wall.

“What is touching me?” He asked me.

I opened my eyes all the way, sat up, and shrugged.

“Leave now.” Came a whispered voice. I couldn’t tell if it was male or female, but the man pointed his knife at me. He tried to rush me but he was slapped in the face.

I didn’t care what was in my apartment, I had to get out of there. But someone was holding onto my shoulder. I opened my mouth to scream.

But a shriek like a banshee came, not from me, and not from anyone I could see. The man whimpered and ran out my front door, slamming it behind him.

A blue purplish light shone brightly next to my window. I saw the sash lowered, all by itself. But I swear I could see my neighbors being taken up through the light.

The next morning, after the police had gone, I went upstairs. The new neighbors had gone.