If you ever find yourself in the United States, whether studying abroad or traveling, and a group of children knocks on your door or car window, pleading to be let inside, you must stay alert. These are no ordinary children. You might have encountered the enigmatic Black-Eyed Children, a terrifying phenomenon cloaked in mystery. Some say they're vampires, others claim they're incarnations of Satan, and a few even suggest they're extraterrestrials. The truth about their origins doesn't matter nearly as much as the one rule you must remember: never let them come inside.
No one alive can tell us what happens if they're invited in. All we know is that it's not good. Black-Eyed Children are typically teenagers, sometimes even younger. Their most distinguishing feature? Their pitch-black eyes, devoid of whites or pupils. When you meet their gaze, an overwhelming sense of fear and danger grips you, something primal and inexplicable. They usually work alone or in pairs, and when you first see them, they might seem to be playing games or singing nursery rhymes. But if they notice you, everything changes. They'll freeze and stare at you with those cold, black eyes. Then, as if unnaturally confident for children, they'll approach and ask if they can come inside—whether it's your home or your car.
If you make eye contact, you might feel as though you're being hypnotized. A fog of confusion descends, clouding your judgment. You'll feel dizzy, disoriented, and inexplicably compelled to grant their request. Fortunately, most people report snapping out of it in time, jolted awake by an overpowering sense of dread that saves them from disaster.
The first recorded encounter with Black-Eyed Children dates back to 1998, when journalist and popular blogger Brian Bethel recounted a chilling experience he had while sitting in his car. In his blog, Brian described how two strange boys approached his car and almost convinced him to let them inside. But just before he unlocked the door, he noticed their eyes—completely black, without whites or pupils. The terror he felt was unlike anything he had ever experienced.
In a 2013 radio interview, Brian detailed the event, which had taken place in the summer of 1996. Here's his account:
"One evening, I had to drive to a local internet service provider's office in Abilene, Texas, to pay an overdue bill. It was close to midnight when I arrived, and the office was already closed. I parked near a movie theater, using its bright lights to help me quickly fill out my check. That's when I heard a sharp knock on my car window. Startled, I looked up and saw two boys, aged around nine to twelve, standing outside. They were wearing jackets, which struck me as odd given how warm it was that night.
What really unsettled me was how they seemed to have been watching me for a while before knocking. Their expressions were calm, but something about their demeanor was deeply unnerving.
I cracked my window slightly, expecting them to ask for money. But as soon as I opened the window, an electric chill ran through my body. It felt like a surge of fear had shocked me into a state of pure panic. I couldn't explain why.
The first boy spoke. He had curly hair and darker skin, and he told me that he and his pale, red-haired friend had wanted to see the movie Mortal Kombat. However, they'd forgotten their money at home. Could I give them a ride so they could go get it?
Their story sounded plausible enough, and they were just kids, so why was I so scared? The terror I felt was irrational but overpowering. I had this intense urge to step on the gas and drive away immediately. But I forced myself to stay calm, trying to think of an excuse to leave without upsetting them.
As we spoke, I glanced at the theater's marquee and realized something didn't add up. Mortal Kombat had been playing for a while, and if they really wanted to watch it, they would've missed the start by then. Their excuse felt off, and my unease deepened.
While I pretended to keep considering their request, I noticed their eyes for the first time. They were completely black—no whites, no irises, just solid, dark voids. A wave of terror surged through me, stronger than before. Something deep inside me screamed: These are not children.
I couldn't bring myself to look at them directly anymore. My instincts kicked in, and I slowly rolled up the window and started my car. I muttered apologies, saying I couldn't help them, my voice trembling as I avoided eye contact.
The boys didn't try to stop me. Instead, they stood perfectly still, their cold, black eyes fixed on me. As I drove away, I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw them standing in the same spot, watching my car until I was out of sight."