The Neighbors

Another slightly scary story inspired by my odd dreams :D

It was 6:45 a.m. when Gianna peeled herself out of bed. Cool morning air slipped through the open window, carrying the scent of distant rain and salty sea air. She brushed her teeth, pulled on an oversized blue T-shirt and shorts, then headed downstairs.

She filled the coffeepot and watched the ocean beyond the kitchen window as it brewed. Gianna lived by the water now - in her grandmother’s old place, left to her a few months after her passing. She’d spent nearly two months sorting through what remained: boxes of old books, journals, and photographs her grandmother had saved over a lifetime.

Outside, wind chimes sang softly. The sky hung dull and swollen with gray, a welcome change from the hundred-degree heat wave that had scorched Tampa all summer. If it was going to rain, today felt like the right day to finish clearing out the remaining bookcases in her grandmother’s room - that was now her own.

She poured a mug of dark coffee, twisted her brown curls into a high bun, and rinsed the few dishes in the sink from the night before. As she set the last cup in the cabinet, the stairs creaked behind her.

It was nine sharp when Cassie wandered in barefoot, still half-asleep, wearing a white tank and denim shorts. Her best friend had stayed with her the last two weeks. It had been good not to be alone. Today was Cassie’s last full day in Florida, she was flying back to Texas in the morning.

“Good morning. I’m gonna steal your roof and your sun before I leave,” Cassie said, stretching.

Gianna snorted. “Well shit, good morning, sunshine. You sure you don’t want breakfast first?”

Cassie shook her head. “Later. I need quiet. I have a headache.”

“I told you not to do Jäger and tequila in the same shot,” Gianna said, pouring a second cup. “Over, and over, and over…”

Cassie flipped her off, then smiled when she noticed the cup of coffee being held out for her. “You’re lucky I love you,” she said, cradling the mug like something precious. “Also, I’m taking your book.” She waved the romance novel.

“Oh wow. She can read with a hangover. Go figure.”

“She transcends pain when a hot, sexy, billionaire guy is involved.” Gianna laughed as Cassie headed upstairs to the roof deck. Once the steps faded, she grabbed eggs from the fridge and set them to boil.

The wind picked up while she ate. The chimes outside rang harder now, metal striking metal, almost panicked. A sudden gust slammed against the kitchen window. Gianna startled, dropping her plate into the sink. Porcelain shattered.

She froze, heart hammering. This storm was moving fast, but something felt off.

No footsteps. No Cassie. “There’s no way she didn’t feel that,” Gianna muttered, already climbing the spiral stairs.

Upstairs, everything was calm. Cassie lounged in a chair, book open in her lap. Not a strand of hair disturbed. No scattered leaves. No sign of wind. Sunlight peeked through the clouds, warm against Gianna’s skin.

“Did you not just feel that?” Gianna asked.

Cassie glanced up, brows furrowed. “Feel what?”

“I swore the wind was insane downstairs.”

Cassie frowned, looking around. “It’s actually kinda warm up here.” She tilted her head. “Only thing happening is your neighbors having their morning tea.” Gianna followed her gaze.

Two men sat on the neighboring roof deck. Plates and porcelain teacups were arranged neatly between them. Both read in perfect stillness - one reading a book with a maroon cover, his olive skin glistening in the soft sunlight. The other was flipping through a newspaper - dark hair slicked back, a crisp white shirt, bright against his sun kissed skin, and a gold rolex that glinted in the sunlight.

“G, you okay?” Cassie asked.

“Yeah, just weird.” Gianna said, though unease crawled under her skin. “Who are they anyways?”

“How do you not know your own neighbors?” Cassie shrugged. “Especially when they’re so yummy. Shame I’m leaving tomorrow.” Gianna forced a laugh and turned toward the garden - might as well water the plants while she was up here. It’s been a few days anyways. Her grandmother’s plants lined the deck, an odd blend of herbs, spices, and houseplants. Aloe. Basil. Lavender. Rosemary. Wolfsbane.

Her grandmother had taught her once that every plant served a purpose. Gianna watered slowly, touching each leaf with care she’d learned as a child. As she trimmed dead leaves from a succulent, her gaze drifted back to the neighboring deck.

The olive skinned man had left. The other remained - one leg crossed, book resting in his lap. When he stood, he was taller than she expected. He caught her staring. A crooked smile tugged at his mouth. He winked.

Heat flooded her cheeks. She turned away quickly, realizing she had been watering bare wood as a pool formed around her feet. When she looked back, the deck was empty.

No footsteps. No door. Just gone. She shut off the hose, pulse skittering.

On her way downstairs, Cassie smirked. “Do I pretend I didn’t see that?”

“Fuck off.”

Cassie’s laughter followed her down the stairs. Gianna grabbed rags from the living room closet. As she turned back toward the stairs, the wind screamed through the chimes. The house groaned, sharp and violent, like something clawed at the siding.

“What the—” She bolted upstairs. Calm again.

Cassie read, unbothered. “Why do you look like that?”

“There’s no way you didn’t hear that.”

“G, I swear I’ve heard nothing this whole time.”

Gianna mopped up the wet boards, frustration buzzing in her veins. When she straightened, she nearly screamed. The dark haired man stood at the railing. Close. Too close.

“Forgive me,” he said smoothly. “Didn’t mean to startle you.” His eyes gleamed - playful, watchful. “These buildings are poorly made,” he added, nodding toward the damp boards. “Cracks everywhere, uneven flooring, but we can’t help a beautiful view, can we?”

“Yeah,” Gianna said carefully.

“How long have you lived here?”

“Not long. It was my grandmother’s.” She gestured to the plants. Something flickered across his face, she couldn’t quite place it though.

“Your friend is staying with you too?” he asked, glancing past her.

“Yes,” Gianna said quickly.

His smile brightened. “Well, my brother and I would love to host you both for tea sometime. We’re new to the area, but hope to make your acquaintance. Our chef makes exquisite desserts.”

Her chest tightened, not pleasantly. “Maybe.”

“We would enjoy the company,” he said warmly, though his eyes stayed cold.

Gianna forced a chuckle. “Well, I mean you’re always welcome to stop by.”

The moment the words left her mouth, something shifted. Wind tore across the deck like a living thing. The sky darkened in seconds. Cassie’s book flew from her hands as she stood.

“Gi—”

Gianna turned and ran.

Cassie’s eyes widened with horror - not at Gianna. Behind her. Gianna spun. The man was gone. A wet sound split the air.

When Gianna whipped around, Cassie had stiffened. Blood slipped from her mouth, and she collapsed on the deck, a gaping wound torn through her back, blood pooling around her.

“CASSIE!”

Gianna screamed. He stood behind her now, shirt splattered with red, fingers wrapped around a human heart, still twitching.

“Well,” he said lightly, “I appreciate the invitation, pet.” In one quick blur, he was in front of her now, hands gripped her arms.

Gianna shoved him, screaming. His hand closed around her throat.

“I’ve been looking for you, pet.” Gold flared in his eyes.

He threw her hard against the wall, her head cracked against the brick.

Gianna jolted upright in bed, screaming.

Morning light spilled across the floor. Quiet. No wind.

“It was a dream,” she whispered. She reached for her phone to check the time, but it wasn’t on the nightstand. Bathroom, she thought.

The light flicked on. Steam lingered. Cassie’s toothbrush sat damp in the cup. Her mascara lay uncapped on the counter.

“I need serious therapy,” Gianna breathed. Downstairs, sunlight glinted off the ocean. Her phone lay beside the coffeepot.

Outside, the wind chimes screamed once. Her phone lit up next to her.

From Cassie. Yesterday. 9:35 a.m.

Creepy neighbor guy is totally checking you out.

Gianna’s heart sank. The floorboards groaned above her, followed by heavy steps. When she looked up, a deep maroon spot had formed on the ceiling.