Upon returning to Malaysia after years of residing abroad, Aiden found himself amidst the vibrant hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur. The city’s lively atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the serene suburbs of London, but it was a change that Aiden embraced with open arms. The rich tapestry of cultures, the tantalising aromas of street food, and the warmth of his family eased his transition.

His return coincided with the Lunar Ghost Month, a period when many Chinese believe spirits roam the earth. His friends advised him not to rent a house until the month was over, warning him of potential supernatural dangers. However, Aiden, sceptical of such superstitions, dismissed their concerns and rented a modest apartment in an old colonial building nestled in the heart of the city. Though the building had seen better days, it possessed a charm and an affordable monthly rental that modern apartments simply couldn’t match.

Aiden's apartment, located on the fourth floor, came with its quirks, notably the creaking lift that groaned ominously each time he used it. Despite this, he found solace in the building's antiquated charm. The first few nights in his new abode were largely uneventful. By day, he reconnected with old friends and explored the bustling cityscape; by night, he sank into deep, dreamless slumber.

However, one fateful night, Aiden awoke to a sensation of intense pressure on his chest. His eyes darted around the dimly lit room, but his body was paralysed. The faint glow from a streetlamp outside cast eerie shadows on the walls, revealing a shadowy figure standing at the foot of his bed. Cloaked in darkness, its features were obscured, yet Aiden could feel its malevolent gaze fixated upon him.

He attempted to scream, to move, but his body remained unresponsive. The pressure on his chest grew unbearable, as though he was being suffocated. The shadowy figure inched closer with slow, deliberate movements. Just as it seemed to reach out to touch him, Aiden's body jerked violently, and he jolted awake, drenched in sweat.

"It was just sleep paralysis," he reassured himself, aware that such experiences were not uncommon. Yet, the vividness of the encounter left him deeply unsettled. Hoping it was a one-time occurrence, he brushed it off and carried on with his day.

Unfortunately, the episodes grew more frequent and intense. Each night, Aiden would awaken to find the shadowy figure standing ever closer, its presence more oppressive than before. Disturbing changes began to manifest in his apartment. Objects moved or went missing, only to reappear in inexplicable places. Whispers in an unknown language filled the air, and the room grew increasingly cold as night fell.

As days turned into weeks, the paralysis worsened. Aiden couldn't even blink. The primary figure, the one who had haunted him from the beginning, leaned in close, its breath icy against his face. "Leave," it hissed, its voice a chilling rasp like nails on a chalkboard.

Desperation set in. In his mind, Aiden recited prayers he had learned as a child, repeating them over and over until his body finally responded. The shadowy figure emitted a blood-curdling shriek and vanished, followed by the other apparitions. The room fell silent, and Aiden collapsed in exhaustion.

The next morning, he knew he couldn't stay in the apartment any longer. It held too many dark memories. Deciding to forgo his deposit, he called the agent and informed him that he would move out immediately. Hastily packing his belongings, he left the old colonial building behind and moved in with one of his friends temporarily until the Lunar Ghost Month was over before looking for another house.

To his immense relief, the sleep paralysis episodes ceased, and the dark figures never returned. Aiden finally found peace, his nights undisturbed by the malevolent entities that had once tormented him.