How a 12-Year-Old Faked a Ghost (and Terrified Her Teenage Sister) With Diet Coke and Lemon Pepper
Sibling rivalry is as old as time. But what happens when childhood pranks cross over into the supernatural? Redditor u/dodecahydron on r/PettyRevenge recently confessed to a mischievous stunt that left her older sister convinced she was being haunted by a very specific ghost—with a taste for Diet Coke and lemon pepper seasoning.
It’s a story of petty vengeance, supernatural shenanigans, and a classic case of “be careful how you treat your siblings.” Pour yourself a (hopefully non-haunted) soda and settle in for a tale that proves sometimes, the best ghost stories are the ones we create ourselves.
Ghosts, Grudges, and Glue: The Backstory
Let’s set the scene: Our narrator, just 12 years old, is the youngest of three and has a big sister in the throes of teenage angst (read: insufferable to live with). Like any self-respecting little sibling, retaliation was a daily sport. From gluing down deodorants and candles (bonus points for gluing them shut too!) to expertly dodging parental blame, this kid had a PhD in “annoy the older sister without getting caught.”
But the real mischief began after the family endured a tragic loss. A close family friend, “Mary,” who had stayed with them while pregnant (and who, crucially, had a notorious love for Diet Coke and lemon pepper seasoning), passed away unexpectedly. The relationship between Mary and the older sister? Let’s say… strained.
The Prank That Went Paranormal
Fast forward: The older sister, still as prickly as ever, stashes some chips in her room. The little sister (our hero) discovers them and, in a fit of inspired vengeance, coats them in cayenne pepper. What happens next is pure comedy gold—big sis notices the chips smell like lemon pepper. That’s when the supernatural lightbulb goes off.
With Mary’s legendary love of lemon pepper and Diet Coke, the perfect haunting is born. Our narrator doubles down: she jokes that maybe Mary’s ghost is seeking revenge from beyond the grave. But then, genius strikes.
While the sister is out, the 12-year-old sneaks into her room and hides half-drunk 2-liter bottles of Diet Coke—one under the bed, one in the closet, and yes, one in the dresser. The next day, the first bottle is discovered. The reaction? Total panic. Within days, another bottle is found. By the time the full stash is unearthed, big sis is ready to call in a priest—certain that Mary is haunting her for her past rudeness.
Sibling Rivalry Level: Poltergeist
This is the kind of petty revenge that deserves a standing ovation. It’s not just glue or pepper spray; it’s psychological warfare with a supernatural twist. And the beauty? It’s tailored perfectly to the victim. Who else but Mary would haunt with Diet Coke and lemon pepper?
What’s more, the prank was so convincing, the older sister never found out the truth (at least, not until maybe now). The ghostly Diet Coke bottles haunted her for months, and even mom was nearly convinced that something otherworldly was afoot—until the truth came out and everyone (eventually) had a good laugh.
Lessons From a Lemon Pepper Ghost
Is it wrong to prank your siblings? Maybe. But is it tradition? Absolutely. This story is a masterclass in creative (and slightly creepy) sibling justice. It’s also a perfect reminder: what you do to your little sibling may come back to haunt you—sometimes literally.
If you’re a big sibling, beware. Your little brother or sister could be one Diet Coke bottle away from giving you a ghost story you’ll never forget. And if you’re the youngest? Take notes—but maybe steer clear of actual hauntings (and super glue).
Share Your Petty Revenge Stories!
Have you ever pulled off a prank that became family legend? Or been the victim of a sibling scheme so good you almost believed in ghosts? Drop your best (or most diabolical) sibling stories in the comments. Let’s keep the spirit (pun intended) of petty revenge alive!
And to the original poster: if your sister ever reads this—rest assured, Mary forgives you. But maybe keep an eye out for lemon pepper, just in case.
Sibling rivalry, Diet Coke, and a dash of the supernatural—this is one haunting we’ll be laughing about for years to come.
Original Reddit Post: I faked a haunting when i was 12