In Richard Bachman's "The Running Man," the protagonist inhabits an apartment with a unique and eerie characteristic: it is haunted by the spirit of cabbage that has long since decomposed. This peculiar detail adds an unsettling atmosphere to the narrative, suggesting a connection between the past and the present that is both humorous and bizarre.

The presence of such an unusual ghost reflects the novel's themes of survival and the absurdity of modern life. The haunting symbolizes the remnants of old societal norms, lurking in the shadows of a dystopian reality where characters face extreme challenges. This blend of the grotesque and whimsical highlights Bachman's inventive storytelling approach.