While chatting with a friend, a spirit made itself known in a most defining way.
I haven't been on a ghost hunt in quite a while, and was starting to worry that I was losing my passion for pursuing the paranormal.
But last week, while out at a small restaurant in Salem County with a friend, something, or someone, that couldn't be seen proved me wrong.
It was late and the establishment was about to close.
The only people in the room were myself, my friend, and a bartender who was cleaning up.
As my friend and I chatted about the old days, our kids, and what aches and pains we have developed now that we're "getting old," we heard the kitchen door swing open.
I turned my head immediately and saw the door swinging on its hinges before finally come to a stop.
"What was that?" my friend asked, obviously disturbed by the seemingly unexplainable incident.
I got up and walked directly to the door. At the same time, I asked the employee if there was anyone else in the building.
Her answer was no.
I asked if there was a door leading from the kitchen to the outside and if it was locked.
Yes, there was a door, and it was locked. There was also a table in front of the door.
I pushed the door open and stared into the tiny kitchen.
It was dark, but light enough to see if there was anyone in there.
"Hello?" I spoke into the empty room. "Is anyone in here?"
In an attempt to debunk what appeared to be something paranormal, we experimented with opening and closing different doors to coolers, a walk-in refrigerator, and the main entrance, but nothing made the kitchen door swing even an inch.
I asked for it to happen again, but the door remained still for the remainder of the night.
I didn't imagine I would experience anything else strange that night, but I was wrong.
Just as we were about to leave, all three of us heard distinct tapping on the back bar.
I asked whoever was tapping if they could do it again, and the tapping sound returned.
It was then that I found out a man died in the building while playing a game of pool several years ago.
I got the same goosebumps and butterflies I have always gotten when having a paranormal experience, which told me that my love of ghost research is still as strong as ever.
And So, the next step is to approach the owner of the business to ask if I can come in with some equipment and try to find out just who was trying to get my attention by pushing on the swinging kitchen door that night.
Because whoever it was definitely succeeded. I feel like the spirit knew I needed a sign.
So, I thanked him or her for giving me what I so desperately needed.
Kelly Roncace is an experienced paranormal investigator with many years of investigating under her ghost hunting belt. Do you know of a haunted location that could be researched and investigated? Contact Kelly at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com and follow her on Twitter @KellyRoncace with your suggestions.