Every time someone brings up the topic of personal paranormal experiences, this story is the first that comes to my mind.

Around 6 years ago, a few of my cousins had come over to stay the night. We were all the same age, so we actually enjoyed our company. Anyway, we stayed up all night, watching scary movies. By the time others were ready to go to sleep, my cousin Tommy tried his best to freak everyone out even more than they already were. He would taunt the Devil, and say that he would see or hear things.

Eventually, Tommy and I were the only ones left awake. My house was placed at the top of a hill, and down the hill were 3-4 other empty houses. Tommy and I were on the couch, staring out the window that was just above it, which gave a view of all of the houses. He claimed to see something in the nearest house; I thought he was joking, just trying to scare me, but then I followed his gaze, and I saw something, so I was officially done for the night.

Tommy and I were both going to sleep in the living room, but the other two couches were filled. Initially he was going to sleep on the floor beside the couch we were on, and I was going to sleep on the couch. But if something peered through the window or happened to bust inside from it, I didn't want to be the first one it reached—so I offered Tommy the couch, and I took the floor.

I don't remember falling asleep, but I do remember waking up in the middle of the night. The first thing I noticed was the fact that the couch beside me was empty. So I glanced toward the hallway, and I saw it.

It looked like a girl, from the long hair—it was brown and super stringy, like there were only a few really thick strands. Her face was dirty, like she was rolling in mud or something; at least, I hope that's what it was. The only source of light was from the TV. And she had this huge grin on her face, with brown, sharp teeth. She was leaning over the opening that led into/out of the living room.

She only stayed for a second. Almost as soon as I saw her, she jerked out of sight. I was so terrified, I went to sleep with my mom (I was around 10 at the time).

The next morning, I asked Tommy where he had gone. He told me that, after a while, he couldn't fall asleep. He looked at me, but my face was turned away from him. He asked me if I was asleep, and I immediately looked over at him, eyes rolled in the back of my head, and told him that I was. Of course, I have no recollection of this. But Tommy said it freaked him out so much, he went and slept in the empty bedroom, which was across from the living room. From there, he would be able to see the opening as well.

I told Tommy about what I saw, and his face went white. He told me that he opened his eyes and saw someone leaning over the opening, peeking into the living room.