The Events At Northwood City

You clutch the spear so tightly that your knuckles turn white, but you can't help but wonder if Mrs. Lythe is in that bundle of darkness and hair. Or IS that bundle.
"Mrs. Lythe, it's me. Your neighbor. Are you…Mrs. Lythe?" The being doesn't answer and only hisses. "Or…are you a cat?" It pauses in its noises and then shakes its head. "You understand me?" It bobs up and down. Maybe this thing isn't so unfriendly after all. When you take a hesitant step forwards, it shrinks back. What IS this thing?