This is Collection 2 of the Fantastic Tales series — a set of short story lessons with reading comprehension questions, vocabulary, and discussion activities.
Max enjoys the quiet routine of swimming alone late at night, finding peace in the calm and empty pool. But when strange sounds and movements disturb the silence, he begins to realise he may not be alone. What follows is a terrifying encounter that turns his place of relaxation into something far more dangerous.
This short story explores themes of isolation, fear, and the unknown, building suspense as an ordinary setting becomes a scene of unexpected horror.
Level: B1–B2
Harry makes a living by tricking unsuspecting people out of their money, moving from place to place in search of easy targets. Confident in his ability to deceive others, he approaches what seems like the perfect victim in a busy train station. But as events unfold, Harry discovers that not everyone is as easy to fool as he believes.
This short story explores themes of deception, irony, and consequence, with a clever twist that turns the tables in an unexpected way.
Level: B1–B2
Working the late shift at a quiet underground station, John looks forward to finishing his routine checks and heading home. But when his colleague reports seeing someone on the platform that John cannot find, a sense of unease begins to grow. As the situation escalates, John realises that he may not be alone after all.
This short story explores themes of isolation, fear, and the unseen, building tension in a familiar setting that slowly becomes something far more unsettling.
Level: B1–B2
Hedley believes that one final bet will solve all his problems and give him a fresh start. As he places everything on what he hopes is a winning horse, doubt and panic begin to creep in. When the race is over, he faces a moment of triumph — but also a decision that could change everything once again.
This short story explores themes of risk, hope, and the cycle of gambling, showing how easily a moment of luck can lead to deeper consequences.
Level: B1–B2
While enjoying a quiet breakfast in a small café, a man discovers a series of disturbing notes hidden around his table. At first, they seem like a strange joke, but as the messages continue, he realises something is seriously wrong. As suspicion grows and tension builds, he begins to understand that he may be in danger himself.
This short story explores themes of paranoia, danger, and hidden threats, turning an ordinary setting into a scene of rising suspense.
Level: B1–B2
The Bicycle Thief — a short story for English reading and speaking
When Mabby’s old, unreliable bike is stolen outside a shop, she is frustrated and worried about how it will affect her daily life. As she reflects on how much she depends on it, she begins to see things from a different perspective. But later that day, an unexpected discovery changes everything in a surprising and meaningful way.
This short story explores themes of value, perspective, and kindness, showing how small actions can have a much bigger impact than we realise.
Level: B1–B2
While waiting at a bus stop, a man is drawn into an unusual conversation with an elderly woman who speaks fondly about someone named Charlie. At first, her words seem confusing and slightly unsettling, but as she reveals more, the truth behind Charlie becomes clearer — and far more disturbing than expected.
This short story explores themes of loneliness, attachment, and the blurred line between love and obsession, with a dark and surprising twist.
Level: B1–B2
The Taxi — a short story for English reading and speaking
After a long and exhausting day, Sam gets into a taxi expecting a simple ride home. But the driver asks him a strange question — not where he wants to go, but where he needs to go. As the conversation becomes more unsettling, Sam is forced to confront something he has been avoiding, leading to a decision that changes everything.
This short story explores themes of reflection, truth, and difficult choices, creating tension through a mysterious and thought-provoking encounter.
Level: B1–B2
Tony wakes up in the middle of the night to find a young burglar already inside his house, demanding money and valuables. As the situation becomes more tense, Tony must stay calm and think carefully to protect both himself and his wife upstairs. What follows is a dangerous and unpredictable encounter that could turn violent at any moment.
This short story explores themes of fear, desperation, and quick thinking, highlighting how ordinary people react under pressure in a high-stakes situation.
Level: B1–B2
Two boys discover a deep, mysterious hole inside a cave and are drawn towards it by curiosity and fear. While one of them hesitates, sensing danger, the other becomes increasingly fascinated and determined to explore further. As tension builds, a single decision leads to a chilling and irreversible outcome.
This short story explores themes of curiosity, peer pressure, and the unknown, creating a sense of unease as ordinary adventure turns into something far more disturbing.
Level: B1–B2
