The Blue Door — A Short Story for Beginners

Maria lives in a small town. She is twenty-four years old and she rents a little apartment. The building is old, but Maria likes it. Her neighbor, Mr. Chen, is very friendly.

Every morning Maria goes to work. She is a nurse at the town hospital. She always locks her blue door and puts the key in her bag.

One evening, Maria comes home at seven o’clock. It is cold and raining. She takes her key out of her bag — but the blue door is open.

Maria is surprised. “Did I lock the door this morning? Yes, I always lock it,” she thinks.

She pushes the door slowly. Inside, the apartment smells of fresh bread. A light is on in the kitchen. Maria is a little afraid, but she is also curious. She walks in quietly.

On the table there is bread, cheese, and a small cake. And then Maria sees a note. It says:

“Happy birthday, Maria! Your landlord told me it is today. — Mr. Chen”

Maria smiles. It is her birthday, and she forgot! Mr. Chen is in the kitchen with tea.

“You are very kind,” Maria says, “but how did you open my door?”

Mr. Chen laughs. “The landlord has a key. I asked him nicely — and I made your favorite cake!”

They drink tea and eat cake. Maria is not afraid anymore. She is happy. It is a small apartment, but it is a good home — and the best birthday surprise.

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How did you do? Check your understanding below, then review the vocabulary.

Comprehension Quiz

Question 1 of 5

What is Maria's job?

A.She is a teacherB.She is a nurseC.She is a bakerD.She is a student

What you practiced

• Present simple for habits and routines (she goes to work, she locks her door)
• Past simple in the narrative (Maria comes home, she pushes the door — wait, did you notice? This story uses present for the story itself — a common storytelling style!)
• Everyday vocabulary: home, work, food, neighbors

Read the story once more — this time, try to tell it aloud in your own words.