You know in Chinese mythology, or folklore, vampires are similar but not exactly like their Western counterparts. They are reanimated corpses, some can appear human, some are in various states of decay. They are called hopping ghosts because they hop, which may stem from the fact that in some former Chinese burial practices the legs of the corpse were tied together.
In any case, these reanimated ghouls are known as Jiang Shi or Chiang Shih. They only appear at night, sleeping during the day in a coffin or cave. They aren’t known for sucking human blood, but rather for sucking the life essence from their victims. Scary stuff!
So I’m concerned there may be a family of Jiang Shi living next door. Impossible? Yikes… I don’t know. I have no other explanation. The owners of the house live in another city, yet someone is living there - several someones - at least six someones, but they come out only at night.
The shades remain drawn all day and night and lights only come on late, after 11 p.m. Windows are never opened. There is never any noise coming from the house. To all intents and purposes, it appears vacant. No garbage or recycling cans are left at the curb. And yet…
I’ve seen them out late at night wandering about their backyard. Wandering along the pathways… just wandering. And yes, they are Chinese.
Early this morning, around 2 a.m. Jake began barking, in fact all the dogs in the neighborhood began barking. It sounded like my husband had left the television on downstairs and the sound was strangely muted, but no, it was those mysterious people out in front. Their children were playing in the court in the dark. Seriously, every dog in the area was barking.
I’m sure there’s a logical explanation but I don’t know what it is and I have no way of contacting the owners of the home. So until I hear otherwise, just like I assume any noise at night is made by a monster, I’m thinking I have vampires next door. Chinese vampires. Jiang Shi…
Oh wait… I hear a story speaking to me!
Very, very strange.
There is a seriously awesome story in there. Do it!
Maybe they have an allergy to the sun? haaaaaa…just kidding.
Wow, it’s not everybody who can say their neighbors are vampires. Go get that story.
It’s true, Stephanie. Very true.
Hmmmm… Yeah, let’s say that, Penny, an allergy to the sun. And no garbage. I like it!
Indeed, Amber!
They don’t have garbage? Are you the only person who sees them (as well as the animals); I mean can your husband see them? Perhaps they are regular ghosts? To contact the owners go to town hall and get the address the taxes are sent to and the name. Or, if your town has a town directory you can use that.
My husband has seen them too, Steph. They keep on the downlow. I’m waiting for another neighbor to return from vacation. I’ll ask her about it - she has contact info for the owners.
Take them a housewarming gift. Blutwurst?
Jaye, you are so wonderfully evil!
That is just weird…
It is, Savannah. They were out again last night after midnight.
Illegal aliens… been down that road before…
Here’s what I figure, Anny - either their green cards have expired and they’re hiding out or as hubby says, the Chinese mafia is after them. In any case I’m not entirely sure I want to know. I think I’ll just let them be Jiang Shi.
OMG - Jiang Shi are the baddies in my latest book - Misfortune Cookie. You’d better be careful Ms. Julia!
You have got to be kidding me, Casey! I can’t wait! Wow, what a coincidence.
Illegal immigrant vampires or the house has been turned in to a sweat shop and they are on a break. Have you checked to see if they have chains around their ankles so they can’t run off …
Maybe that’s why they sort of shuffle around the backyard, Tom. If it is a sweat shop, it’s very sweaty as they never open windows and the house isn’t air conditioned.
Julia - You couldn’t write a book about your life … no one would believe this stuff.! I was going with the allergic to sun as well until you mentioned the garbage. Very odd indeed. Can’t wait to hear what you find out.
I know, Nina - no one would believe it! I’m going with allergic to the sun.
You took the words right out of my mouth on the story. Hmmm, how about Chinese Vampires and Spiders;)
Sandra - spider shifters?