The Outsider

H. P. Lovecraft

(Adapted Version)

I live alone in a very old and dark castle.

I don't remember when I was born, or who my family was.

The castle has many long, dark halls.

There are no windows and no light.

I see no people, I only see rats, bats, and spiders.

The walls are wet. The air smells bad.

There are many old books. I learn to read from them.

But I never hear a voice. Not even my own.

I never see a mirror, I do not know what I look like.

Outside the castle is a dark forest.

The trees are big and strange.

I often dream about the world outside.

I want to see the sun and the moon.

One day, I decide to escape.

There is one tall black tower.

It goes above the trees.

I want to climb up the stairs.

Then I have to climb the wall. It is very hard.

Finally, I reach the top.

There is a heavy door- I open it.

I see the moon, It is beautiful and bright.

I walk outside and find a path.

I walk for many hours.

Then I see a big house with lights and music.

I look inside a window.

People are happy. They are talking and dancing.

I want to join them.

I go inside the house.

But something terrible happens.

Everyone screams. They run away from me.

They look scared and afraid.

I do not understand. Why are they scared?

I walk to a mirror.

And then I see it.

The monster in the mirror ... is me.

Reading Comprehension (Multiple Choice)