The Ghost In The Cellar

By Myke Johns and jeff cooke

 Jeff is seeking solace and a new beginning. Having recently experienced personal losses, he's drawn to the old house's solitude and potential for restoration.
Michele: The ghostly inhabitant of the cellar. Elegant and melancholic, Michele once lived in the house and experienced profound love and heartbreak within its walls.

As Jeff begins his renovations, he's frequently drawn to the cellar by strange sounds and sudden cold drafts. While initially dismissing them as quirks of an old house, he soon encounters Michele. She appears not as a fearsome specter but as a vision of grace, though sadness lingers in her translucent eyes.

• Language: English
• Publisher: jeff cooke
• Release date: Oct 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223779049

Myke Johns

Myke Johns  what is  he? who is he? well just another regular guy searching  for the gift of an author recompense well in a way  to  enhance his writing ability,,, but remember there is a  positive brain in all of us...thank you all myke johns..

Book preview

The sun-bathed the charming old house in a warm, golden light as Jeff heaved the last of the moving boxes from the back of his truck. His heart raced with excitement and anticipation; this was a new chapter in his life, one filled with history and mystery. The very air around him seemed to buzz with energy.

A lright, here we go , Jeff muttered to himself, wiping the sweat from his brow. He hoisted the box up onto his shoulder and carried it toward the welcoming embrace of his new home. As he ascended the stone steps, he couldn't help but admire the intricate woodwork that framed the entrance – a testament to the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Beautiful, isn't she? called out a voice from behind him.

Jeff turned to see his neighbor, an elderly woman who tended to her rose bushes with great care. Oh, yes, he replied, grinning from ear to ear. I can't believe I'm actually going to be living here.

Cherish it, dear, she advised, smiling warmly. Homes like these have stories to tell.

Jeff nodded in agreement, grateful for the kind words. With a final glance at the stunning stained-glass windows that adorned the front of the house, he stepped inside. The moment he crossed the threshold, a sense of awe washed over him.

Hello? he called out, his voice echoing through the vast space. Is anyone here?

Jeff! came a familiar voice from the living room. You made it!

Will! Jeff exclaimed, sitting down  the box and hurrying into the adjacent room. His best friend stood before him with open arms, a beaming smile on his face. They embraced tightly, their laughter filling the air.

Wow, man, this place is incredible, Will said, stepping back to get a better look at the surroundings. You've really outdone yourself this time.

Thanks, Jeff replied, his excitement bubbling over. I can't wait to explore every nook and cranny of this place. There's so much history here, just waiting to be discovered.

Speaking of history, Will began, his eyes twinkling with mischief, did you hear about the previous owners? I did some digging and found some interesting stories.

Really? Jeff asked, his curiosity piqued. Do tell.

Alright, but first, let's get these boxes unpacked, Will suggested, clapping Jeff on the back. Then we'll dive into the tales of your new home.

Deal, Jeff agreed, eager to uncover the secrets that lay hidden within the walls of the charming old house he now called home.

3 - 4

Jeff gazed at the grand foyer; his blue eyes wide with admiration. The sweeping staircase that led to the upper floor was a work of art, the  aged wood gleaming under the soft glow of the chandelier above. The intricate carvings along the banister seemed to tell a story of their own, and Jeff longed to know the tales they held.

Wow, he breathed, unable to tear his gaze away from the elegant curve of the staircase. This place is amazing.

Isn't it? Will agreed, following Jeff's line of sight. Just wait until you see the living room.

Together, they stepped through an arched doorway into a cozy living room. Rich burgundy drapes framed tall windows; the sunlight filtered by the stained glass casting a warm hue across the space. In the center of the room stood a large stone fireplace, its mantel adorned with ornate moldings that hinted at the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Can you imagine the conversations that took place around this fireplace? Jeff mused, running a hand over the smooth surface of the mantel. The secrets shared, the laughter... It's like stepping back in time.

Speaking of secrets, Will teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. I bet this old house has plenty of hidden nooks and crannies just waiting to be discovered.

Let's find out, Jeff suggested, his voice barely containing his excitement. They ventured further into the house, their footsteps echoing through the spacious halls.

In the library, Jeff traced the spines of ancient books, their leather bindings cracked and worn with age. His fingers brushed against a seemingly inconspicuous volume, only for a low creaking sound to fill the air. He exchanged a glance with Will before carefully pulling on the book. To their astonishment, a secret door swung open, revealing a hidden passage.

Unbelievable, whispered Jeff, his heart racing with exhilaration. Can you imagine what stories this house could tell?

Only if these walls could talk, Will replied, grinning from ear to ear.

Their exploration continued as they climbed the staircase to the attic. Dust motes danced in the streams of sunlight filtering through the small window, casting an ethereal glow over the room. Old trunks lay scattered across the floor, their contents seemingly untouched for decades.

Think of the memories stored away up here, Jeff remarked, lifting the lid of a nearby trunk. He carefully sifted through yellowed letters, faded photographs, and delicate pieces of lace, each artifact whispering secrets of the past.

Who knows what other mysteries we'll uncover in this house? Will mused, joining Jeff by the trunk.

Only time will tell, Jeff murmured, his mind already brimming with possibilities. But I have a feeling it's going to be one incredible journey.

5 - 6

As Jeff stood in the grand foyer, his eyes lingering on the intricate carvings of the sweeping staircase, he heard a familiar knock at the front door. Excitement bubbled within him at the thought of showing Will around his new home.

Come on in! Jeff called, swinging the door open to reveal his best friend, Will, standing on the porch with a wide grin. The sunlight caught his blonde hair, making it shine like gold.

Jeff! It's been too long, Will said, stepping inside and enveloping Jeff in a warm embrace.

Tell me about it, Jeff replied, clapping Will on the back before pulling away. I can't wait to show you the place.

Lead the way, my friend. Will gestured grandly, his blue eyes sparkling with curiosity.

With a chuckle, Jeff guided Will into the cozy living room, where soft light filtered through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished wooden floors. A fire crackled invitingly in the fireplace, its warmth bathing the room in an amber glow.

Wow, Will breathed, taking in the elegant furnishings and the book-lined walls. This place is amazing.

Isn't it? Jeff agreed, pride swelling in his chest. Have a seat, make yourself comfortable.

They settled down on the plush sofa, sinking into the cushions as they faced each other, their knees almost touching. Conversation flowed easily between them, as though no time had passed since they last saw one another.

Did I tell you about the previous owners? Jeff asked, his voice filled with enthusiasm. He'd spent hours poring over the house's history, eager to uncover every hidden detail.

Only about a hundred times, Will teased, his laughter warm and infectious. But indulge me, what happened to the last family that lived here?

Ah, the Smiths, Jeff said, rubbing his hands together as if he were about to reveal a great mystery. They were an eccentric bunch, to say the least. Rumor has it they held séances in the library.

Really? Will leaned forward, his eyes wide with interest. Did they ever make contact with anyone from the other side?

Who knows? Jeff shrugged, his grin widening at the thought of hosting his own séance. Maybe we'll find out one day.

Only if I get to be the medium, Will shot back, his laughter mingling with Jeff's.

As their laughter subsided, Jeff recalled another story he'd unearthed. There was also a famous artist who lived here in the 1930s. Her name was Madeline. She used the attic as her studio and created some of her greatest works within these very walls.

Sounds like you've got some big shoes to fill, Will remarked, nudging Jeff playfully.

Indeed, Jeff agreed, his heart swelling with affection for the old house that seemed to carry the spirits of its previous inhabitants.

Here's to making our own memories within these walls, Will raised an imaginary glass, his smile sincere and full of warmth.

Cheers, Jeff echoed, clinking his own invisible glass against Will's. As they shared a glance filled with years of friendship and countless memories, Jeff couldn't help but feel that this house – with all its history and charm – was where he was truly meant to be.

7 - 8

Jeff's eyes widened as he remembered the events of the previous night. You know, I heard something strange last night.

Strange? Will asked, eyebrows raised in curiosity.

Yeah, it was like... noises coming from the basement. Footsteps maybe? Or something moving around down there. Jeff rubbed his chin thoughtfully, trying to recall the details. It freaked me out a bit, to be honest.

Really? Will's eyes sparkled with intrigue. Well, we can't let that mystery go unsolved, can we?

Are you suggesting we go down there and investigate? Jeff questioned, a mix of excitement and apprehension creeping up his spine.

Of course! Will grinned, clapping his hands together. Come on, what are best friends for?

Getting into trouble, apparently, Jeff laughed, shaking his head but feeling reassured by Will's presence.

Exactly! Will agreed, his infectious smile spreading to Jeff's face. Let's do this.

As they made their way toward the basement door, Jeff hesitated for just a moment before grasping the handle. The anticipation built as he turned the knob, revealing the dimly lit staircase beyond.

Here goes nothing, Jeff murmured, taking the first cautious step onto the creaky stairs. Will followed closely behind, his hand resting reassuringly on Jeff's shoulder.

As they descended, the musty smell of old wood and decaying memories filled the air. The weak light from the single hanging bulb barely penetrated the gloom, casting eerie shadows along the walls. With each step, the atmosphere grew heavier, as though the weight of hidden secrets pressed upon them.

Did you hear that? Jeff whispered, pausing mid-step to listen carefully. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of fear and exhilaration coursing through him.

Probably just the house settling, Will reassured him, but the uncertainty in his voice betrayed his own apprehension. Come on, let's keep going.

Right, Jeff agreed, swallowing hard and taking a deep breath to steady himself. As they continued their descent, he couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay hidden within the shadows of the basement – and whether they were truly prepared to face them.

9 - 10

Man, it's dusty down here, Will observed, wiping his hand on his jeans after running it along a cluttered shelf. The basement was a treasure trove of forgotten items – old books with yellowing pages, tarnished picture frames, and antique furniture draped in dust cloths.

Can't remember the last time anyone ventured down here, Jeff replied, examining an old grandfather clock that had stopped ticking long ago. His voice echoed through the silence, joining the chorus of creaks and groans from the house above.

Hey, check this out! Will called, pulling back a dusty cloth to reveal a vintage velvet chaise lounge. This would look great in your living room.

Jeff chuckled. Maybe once I get around to cleaning this place up. He stepped closer to Will and ran his hand over the luxurious fabric, appreciating its rich texture.

Did you hear that? Jeff suddenly asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He strained to listen, but all he could hear was the sound of his own heart pounding in his ears.

Was it the sound we're looking for? Will questioned, his eyes darting around the dimly lit space.

Shh! Listen, Jeff urged, holding his breath.

From the depths of the gloom, a faint giggle reached their ears. It was almost imperceptible at first, but as they stood frozen in place, the sound grew louder and more distinct – like the laughter of a child playing hide-and-seek, just out of sight.

Is that...? Will began, but Jeff cut him off with a wave of his hand.

Stay quiet, he whispered, his spine tingling with a hair-raising sensation that he couldn't quite explain. Fear pulsed through his veins, but he felt an undeniable pull towards the mysterious sound, unable to resist the urge to uncover its source.

Should we follow it? Will asked hesitantly, his eyes wide with both excitement and trepidation.

Of course, Jeff replied, steeling himself for what lay ahead. "We came