The spectral figures that roamed the house were less like humanoid forms than swirling clouds of hands, eyes, and mouths. Though transparent, some were black, some were light grey, and others, most terrifyingly, were entirely invisible. These strange entities had absorbed most of the heat from Moptop's house, and he tried to remain hidden as they continually flew around each of the rooms, muttering to themselves in hushed tones.
He slipped from spot to spot for about an hour, hiding behind furniture or whatever cover he could find, making his way to the front door. He knew they wouldn't be able to survive the outside sun, but the trick would be to get outside without their noticing.
Praying he wouldn't be spotted by an invisible one, Moptop sprinted toward the door as soon as a particularly large grey one turned its "back." Dozens of the shadow-figures instantly followed in pursuit, wailing and grabbing at him. He felt invisible grips take hold of his arm and leg, but managed to somehow slip out and successfully jump through the door.
Shivering but thankful to be alive, Moptop leaned against the house's brick facade to catch his breath, and was shocked to see the silhouette of a cat in the window. The animal meowed, then darted away as a shadow-figure approached. There were, in fact, four cats trapped in the house with the shadows, and who knew what could happen to them if they were left alone. Moptop found himself in a quandary. Cats are difficult to catch, but these four were clearly in danger. Could he bring himself to attempt such a dangerous feline rescue?
He had no choice. Grabbing the potted geranium on the porch as his weapon, Moptop charged, screaming, back into the fray.
