Assault the old man

For your own safety and that of your sister, you try to knock the ghost-like old man with your fist.

He demonstrates quick reflexes by grabbing your arm before you can even come close to him.

"Wha-" you begin, but the placid old man interrupts.

"I know you must be quite unsettled, but is that REALLY a good enough reason to hit an old man?" croaks the elderly human.

All you can do is stare, mouth agape, taken in complete awe. Your little sister seems quite relieved.

"My name is Chang, and, in response to your question little girl, I am, in fact, quite alive and intact," he continues.

"Ch-ch-chang?" you stammer. You hold Charmaine close. You hope she can't tell you are shaking all over.

The face is hideous, lop-sided, and its neck disappears into a hunched body clad in black.

"I'm the caretaker," the voice croaks. "I'm in charge of this house."

"You mean, you - live here?" you blurt.

The face tilts back and the mouth drops open. The black shape shakes with a mad, high-pitched laugh.

"I have lived here for fifty years," the creature says.

"Please," Charmaine says in a tiny voice, "we want to go home."

"But you are home," the ancient face says. "You're going to stay here with me!"

You take a step back. Your head is reeling. Who does this crazy old man thinks he is?