This is Collection 7 of the Fantastic Tales series — a set of short story lessons with reading comprehension questions, vocabulary, and discussion activities.
Simon has always avoided intimacy, haunted by a deep and irrational fear of kissing. When he meets Ruby, everything begins to change, and for the first time, he finds himself drawn into a real relationship. But as things become more serious, he must face the one fear he has spent his entire life avoiding.
This short story explores themes of fear, vulnerability, and personal struggle, building tension around a seemingly simple moment that becomes deeply significant.
Level: B1–B2
Troubled by tension at home, Cherise struggles with loneliness and a lack of connection with her parents. When a mysterious woman appears outside her bedroom window, offering understanding and comfort, Cherise is drawn into a dangerous decision. As the truth begins to reveal itself, she must choose who — or what — to trust.
This short story explores themes of isolation, vulnerability, and manipulation, building tension as emotional need leads to a chilling and supernatural encounter.
Level: B1–B2
What begins as a simple attempt to relax turns into an unexpected obsession when a man notices a small amount of dust in his living room. Determined to clean just one thing, he soon finds himself unable to stop. As the night continues, his need for cleanliness spirals into something far more intense.
This short story explores themes of control, obsession, and compulsion, showing how a small thought can grow into an overwhelming force.
Level: B1–B2
After years of staying sober, Marcus finds himself sitting alone in a bar with a drink in front of him. As temptation builds and time passes slowly, he battles with his thoughts and the urge to give in. With help on the way, he must decide whether he is strong enough to resist.
This short story explores themes of addiction, self-control, and inner struggle, capturing the tension of a single moment that could change everything.
Level: B1–B2
Working a quiet night shift at a gas station, Dale expects nothing more than another slow and uneventful evening. But when a strange customer arrives with unusual requests, the situation quickly becomes tense and unpredictable. What begins as an odd interaction soon escalates into something far more dangerous.
This short story explores themes of boredom, frustration, and unpredictability, building tension as an ordinary night turns into a moment of real threat.
Level: B1–B2
While clearing out his parents’ house, Andrew comes across a box of old photographs from his childhood. At first, the images bring back familiar memories, but then he notices something strange — a boy appearing again and again in the pictures. A boy no one has ever mentioned. As the truth begins to take shape, Andrew is left questioning everything he thought he knew about his family.
This short story explores themes of memory, loss, and hidden truths, building a quiet but powerful sense of mystery and unease.
Level: B1–B2
Lila is unlike other children. She feels no fear and takes risks without hesitation, leaving her mother constantly on edge. One day in the park, what begins as a normal outing quickly turns into a moment of panic when Lila disappears. As her mother searches desperately, she is forced to confront the true danger of a child who cannot sense risk.
This short story explores themes of fear, protection, and vulnerability, building tension around the terrifying unpredictability of losing control.
Level: B1–B2
A simple late-night dare turns into something far more disturbing when a man tries a strange mirror ritual he once heard about as a child. At first, nothing happens. But then his reflection begins to behave differently — moving on its own, watching him, changing. What starts as curiosity quickly becomes fear as he realises something is no longer right.
This short story explores themes of identity, paranoia, and the supernatural, building tension as the boundary between reality and reflection begins to break down.
Level: B1–B2
Driving through what should be a short and simple tunnel, Jacob soon realises that something is not right. The exit never seems to get any closer, no matter how fast he drives. As time passes and the silence grows heavier, he is forced to confront the terrifying possibility that he may never get out.
This short story explores themes of isolation, fear, and the unknown, building tension as a familiar situation turns into something deeply unsettling.
Level: B1–B2
After a performance goes terribly wrong, a stage magician finds himself under police interrogation. What begins as a routine questioning about a missing assistant soon reveals a far darker pattern. As the pressure builds, the truth begins to surface — and it is far more disturbing than anyone expected.
This short story explores themes of deception, guilt, and hidden darkness, building tension through sharp dialogue and a gradual, chilling revelation.
Level: B1–B2
