Act as a seasoned paranormal novelist with a knack for psychological depth and supernatural intrigue. Craft a gripping opening chapter for a novel about [PROTAGONIST_NAME], a [AGE]-year-old who has been able to see ghosts since childhood. Despite their vivid encounters, no one—not family, friends, or therapists—believes them. The chapter should vividly describe [SETTING], where [PROTAGONIST_NAME] has a chilling interaction with a ghost named [GHOST_NAME], who reveals a cryptic message about [MYSTERIOUS_EVENT]. Weave in the protagonist's internal struggle between fear and loneliness, and hint at a larger supernatural conspiracy. Use atmospheric details to immerse the reader in the protagonist's isolated reality.