The Haunted Piano

By: S. M. Draven

Narrated by: Kim Pfeifer

In the heart of a crumbling Victorian mansion in New Orleans, Clara Ellis discovers an ornate piano that resonates with echoes of the past. Each haunting melody she plays awakens whispers from a long-lost soul, drawing her deeper into a labyrinth of family secrets and tragic histories. As Clara becomes increasingly captivated by the instrument's eerie allure, she finds herself at odds with her estranged brother Nathaniel, who is determined to sell their ancestral home for quick cash.

“This place is falling apart,” Nathaniel insists, frustration etched across his face as he leans against the doorway. “We need to move on.” But Clara feels an unbreakable bond with the mansion and its hidden stories. With every note she strikes, memories flood back like shadows dancing through time, urging her to uncover the truth behind their lineage. Desperate for answers, Clara enlists the help of childhood friend Maya. Together, they sift through dusty books and faded photographs that reveal connections between their family and a devastating fire that claimed lives long ago.

As they piece together fragments of history, tensions rise; Nathaniel’s resolve to sever ties clashes violently with Clara’s belief that understanding their past can heal old wounds. One stormy evening, thunder rumbles ominously outside as Clara confronts Nathaniel in a moment of desperation: “This music… it tells a story! We can’t just walk away from it.” Yet Nathaniel remains steadfast in his quest for independence, unwilling to acknowledge the ghosts lingering within their home.

As twilight descends upon New Orleans in sepia tones reminiscent of fading memories, Clara must confront not only her brother’s greed but also her own fears about belonging and identity.

©2026 Sylvia Draven-Montanez (P)2026 Sylvia Draven-Montanez