In a quiet summer, my friend Bentley and I stayed in a small hamlet overlooking a peaceful valley with a winding river. Across the river, we saw a mysterious city shrouded in mist, appearing empty and untouched. Our curiosity led us to discover the city was built by a wealthy man who wanted it completed before anyone lived there, but he went bankrupt and the city was left deserted. The locals claimed the city was haunted by strange beings...

Nabendu Sekhar, eager to gain favor with English officials, marries Arunlekha from a family with different values. His father, Purnendu, had earned respect from the English, and Nabendu tries to continue this legacy. However, his brother-in-law, Pramathanath, who had lived in England, keeps his distance from the English, valuing self-respect over external validation. Nabendu's sisters-in-law mock his obsession with English approval. Labanya, the eldest, plays pranks to expose his sycophancy. Despite their teasing, Nabendu is thrilled when he hears he might be honored with the title of Rai Bahadur but is hesitant to share the news.

In the story "A Bird Of Bagdad," we meet a young man who works in Hildebrandt's saddle and harness shop, where he is vying for the affections of the owner's daughter, Laura, with a fellow worker, Bill Watson. The story revolves around a riddle posed by Mr. Hildebrandt: "What kind of a hen lays the longest?" The young man is determined to solve this riddle to win a chance to attend Laura's birthday party.

Mark Twain's (Burlesque) Autobiography and First Romance is an 1871 book by American author Mark Twain. The book bears no relationship to Twain's actual life. The two short stories present fictional characters who are supposedly part of Twain's lineage.

In the gripping story "A Canary for One" by Hemingway, a train ride from the French Riviera to Paris reveals a mix of emotions and hidden stories. Three Americans—a married couple and a middle-aged woman—travel through the night, sharing passionate reflections on love transcending borders. The woman, worried about a train crash, finds comfort in a canary she got in Palermo. Outside, there's a fiery house and wrecked vehicles, a sharp contrast to the delicate bird in her cage.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are confronted with the perplexing case of Miss Mary Sutherland. A young woman seeks Holmes' help in locating her missing fiancé, who mysteriously vanished on the day of their wedding.

Superintendent Otchumyelov, clad in a new coat, confronts a dog bite drama involving the indignant goldsmith Hryukin. Emotions unfold – pride, fear, and amusement ripple through the crowd. As the story twists with unexpected connections, Chekhov paints a vivid picture of quirky human behavior, societal norms, and the whims of fate.

A Cosmopolite in a Café is a 1906 short story about a crowded midnight café and a conversation with a Cosmopolite the narrator finds himself in.

A Coup d'Etat is a short story by Guy de Maupassant , published in 1883. The story is set during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.

Originally released in 1901, this allegorical fiction masterfully delves into the shadows cast by the Jim Crow laws, which persisted in enforcing racial segregation long after the abolition of slavery post the American Civil War. Through the lens of a compelling third-person narrative, the story artfully unfolds, drawing attention to the pernicious themes of racism and discrimination, while at its core lies the profound exploration of unyielding subjugation and submission. All of these profound themes find their focal point in the bond shared between a young child and a dark brown dog.

Treddleford, ensconced in the velvety embrace of his club's armchair on a somber October eve. Before him, a roaring fire paints vivid dreams upon the canvas of the night, and in his hands, he cradles the epitome of escapism – "The Golden Journey to Samarkand." Yet, in this moment of serene solitude, an enigmatic figure intrudes: Amblecope, a man whose eyes never cease their restless dance and whose mouth is ever primed for discourse. His very description hints at the impending disruption, but to what end? How shall this tale unfurl, and what destiny awaits Treddleford in the company of this conversational maelstrom?

The story follows the life of a loyal dog named Aileen Mavourneen, who narrates her experiences with her family. Raised by a clever and kind-hearted mother, Aileen learns important lessons about bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. When she is sold to a new family, Aileen quickly becomes beloved by everyone in her new home. The family consists of a kind scientist, his loving wife, their daughter Sadie, and a baby. Aileen is adored, living a peaceful and happy life, until one day she finds herself in a dangerous situation that puts her loyalty and courage to the ultimate test.