The Ticklish Ghost

Every night at midnight, strange noises echoed through the old Johnson house. New neighbors always moved out within a week, claiming the place was haunted. Ten-year-old Mia, however, was thrilled when her family moved in. She loved a good mystery.

On their first night, as the clock struck twelve, Mia heard it – a faint “Ooh-ooh-ooh” sound. Grabbing her flashlight, she tiptoed downstairs to investigate.

The noise led her to the living room. There, floating near the ceiling, was a transparent, glowing figure. A real ghost!

“Hello,” Mia said bravely. “I’m Mia. What’s your name?”

The ghost looked surprised. “You… you can see me?” it asked in a squeaky voice.

“Of course! Why are you making those noises every night?”

The ghost floated down, looking embarrassed. “Well, you see, I’m Gordon, and I have a problem. I’m… ticklish.”

Mia raised an eyebrow. “Ticklish?”

Gordon nodded. “Every midnight, the old grandfather clock’s hands tickle me as they pass through. I can’t help but giggle!”

Mia tried not to laugh. “But why don’t you just… move?”

“I can’t!” Gordon wailed. “I’m stuck to this spot. Been here for 200 years!”

Mia thought for a moment. “I have an idea!”

The next day, Mia convinced her parents to move the grandfather clock to the other side of the room. That night, as midnight struck, the house was silent.

Gordon was overjoyed. “Thank you, Mia! Now I can rest in peace… and quiet!”

From then on, Gordon and Mia became great friends. He told her stories about the olden days and helped her with history homework. In return, Mia read him modern storybooks and taught him new jokes.

The Johnsons never moved out. Neighbors were puzzled why they stayed in the “haunted” house, but Mia just smiled. Sometimes, she’d hear a faint, happy giggle at midnight – not from being tickled, but because Gordon had remembered a funny joke.

Mia learned that not all scary things are truly scary. Sometimes, they’re just lonely and in need of a friend… and maybe a little repositioning of furniture!