He often chatted with Christa, a tiny gnat, who buzzed near his ear.

One chilly morning, while Zach and Christa were listening to the rustling leaves, a strange echo filled the air.

“Ugh,” Zach said, “Did you hear that?” Christa nodded. “That sound came from the old castle. Let us go check it out.”

Inside the castle, the air was cool and the halls were dark. Suddenly, a ghostly voice called out, echoing through the walls.

“Help me! I am a chef, but I have forgotten how to cook!” said the ghost.

Zach nearly turned to run, but Christa said, “Do not be afraid. That is no ghoul. It is just a ghost with a problem.”

They followed the sound and found a sad, see through chef floating near the dusty kitchen.

“I used to cook for the king,” the ghost sighed. “But I forgot all the chemistry of cooking when I became a ghost!”

Zach listened kindly. “We can help you,” he said. The three friends fastened their aprons and got to work.

They looked at old recipe signs still hanging on the walls. They got out the pots and pans, chopped chestnuts, and moistened the batter for a cake.

The kitchen began to smell warm and sweet. They mixed, sliced, and learned how the right chemicals worked. The ghost was grateful, and his eyes began to glisten.

At last, the ghost chef placed his cake in the oven. When he opened it, the room filled with the smell of fresh cake and the sound of happy whistles.

“You helped me remember the recipes from the signs and joy of cooking!” he said, his voice no longer ghostly, but bright and full of joy.

Zach and Nate said goodbye as they left the castle. “I am glad we did not run away,” Zach said. “Helping feels better than being afraid.”

From that day on, the old castle did not have a strange echo, but instead was full of whistles, joy, and the smell of cake.