Open Window, The
by Saki | Grades 9-12
"The Open Window" by Saki is a short story that blends humor with a twist of irony. It centers around Framton Nuttel, a man seeking tranquility in the countryside to soothe his nerves. During his visit to the home of Mrs. Sappleton, he is entertained by her mischievous niece, Vera, who spins a haunting tale about an open window and the tragic disappearance of Mrs. Sappleton's husband and brothers. Just as Framton is engulfed in the eerie narrative, the supposed ghosts of the missing men return, sending him fleeing in terror. The story ends with Vera's cool explanation that her uncle and cousins always return home through the same window, revealing her penchant for imaginative storytelling.