At times, real life can feel like something out of a scary movie. The people in these stories experienced moments so bizarre, unsettling, or unbelievable, they could hardly accept they were real. From strange noises in the dark to inexplicable sights, these 14 true stories will make you reconsider turning off the lights.

Story 1

I woke up at 2 a.m. to drink water. The TV was on. I heard my daughter asking, “Daddy, can you get me a blanket?” Half-asleep, I took one and tossed it on the couch. As I returned to bed, it hit me… my daughter was at a sleepover.

I ran back and froze when I saw the couch empty. Then, all of a sudden, I heard a loud voice coming from the TV, confirming it was indeed on. I rushed to the bedroom and woke my wife to tell her what had just happened. She reminded me that our daughter was definitely at a sleepover—and then mentioned she’d forgotten to turn off the TV.

Story 2

I was 6 and remember playing in my room and my grandpa walks in and talks to me for a few minutes. After a bit he gets up and tells me to “be a good girl for mom,” kisses me on the forehead, and walks out.