Gigino is almost ten years old. He is neither handsome nor ugly, with light eyes, very blond hair, an upturned nose, and rather thin legs. Overall, he is a good boy, loved at home and appreciated at school. However, he has a strange flaw: he is ashamed of being a child and does everything to seem like a grown man.
Arnoldo, Giovanni, and Paolino are three strong but not very bright brothers who work together in the fields. One day, a simple greeting sparks a furious argument among them. As they seek justice for their absurd quarrel, a series of hilarious misunderstandings leads to an unforgettable verdict.
A humorous folk tale probably of Sicilian origin, adapted for intermediate-level Italian students.
What has happened to my dear friends, the Corios? In their old countryside villa, strange events unfold, hidden behind closed doors. Years of fond memories give way to dark suspicions, as unusual sounds, frightened animals, and unsettling changes reveal a terrifying reality that no one dares to face openly.
An eerie short story freely adapted from Dino Buzzati, for B2-C1 level Italian students.
A soldier, isolated on a distant planet, fights a desperate war against alien creatures. In a land of mud, cold, and fear, his only comfort is the certainty of his mission. But the enemy is not what they were told. A disturbing truth slowly emerges, challenging everything he believes.
A short unsettling story loosely inspired by Fredric Brown, adapted for intermediate-level Italian students.
Alvaro loves spending long afternoons in the quiet of his beautiful garden. But everything changes when noisy and strange new neighbors move in next door. What first seems like a simple annoyance slowly reveals an unexpected and troubling reality, forcing Alvaro and his friend Mimi to come up with a bold plan.
A funny short story freely adapted from Chris Rose, for beginner-level Italian students.
Robie is the latest model of promotional robot, designed to charm customers with gifts and kind words. In the bright streets of a modern city, everything seems perfect—until a terrible event shatters reality. Alone among ruins and silence, Robie keeps performing his mission, unaware that the world has changed forever.
An ironic short story freely adapted from Fritz Leiber, for B1-B2 level Italian students.
In a hidden corner of Paris, a strange shop offers an unsettling service: for a fee, you can trade your misfortunes with others. Curious and skeptical, a man decides to try it himself. What seems like a harmless game will leave an unexpected mark, in ways he could never have imagined.
An eerie short story freely adapted from Edward Plunkett, for intermediate-level Italian students.
On Christmas Eve, Della is desperate to find the perfect gift for her beloved Jim. With only a few coins saved through endless sacrifices, she makes a bold choice. But love sometimes creates the sweetest and saddest surprises, in a world where true richness is not measured in money.
A touching short story loosely based on O. Henry, adapted for intermediate-level Italian learners (B1-B2).
