A Weekend in Venice

Alice arrived in Venice early on Saturday morning. The sky was grey, and the air was cool. She had one small bag with her, and she had booked a hotel near the Grand Canal.

Alice had come to Venice for a short holiday. But she also had a job to do. In her bag was a small silver key. A man in London had told her: Take this to Venice. Give it to a woman named Sofia at midnight in St. Mark’s Square.

All day, Alice tried to enjoy the city. She took a boat along the canals, saw the famous bridges, and ate pasta in a small restaurant. But she kept looking over her shoulder. She felt someone was following her.

At night, the city was quiet. The streets were narrow and dark. Alice walked toward St. Mark’s Square. She felt very alone.

When she arrived, the square was almost empty. A tall man in a black coat stood by a lamp. He was looking at her.

Alice waited for ten minutes, but Sofia did not come. The man started walking towards her.
“Are you Sofia?” Alice asked.
“No,” the man said. “But I know about the key.”

Alice stepped back. “It’s nothing important,” she said.
“Yes, it is,” the man replied. “Give it to me.”

Alice turned and ran. She ran through small streets and over bridges. The man followed. She could hear his footsteps getting closer.

Suddenly, a woman appeared in front of her. She had short dark hair and a red scarf.
“Alice?” the woman whispered.
“Yes,” Alice said. “Are you Sofia?”
The woman nodded. “Quick, give me the key.”

Alice took it out of her bag and gave it to her. Sofia smiled, then disappeared into the dark.

Alice looked behind her. The man in the black coat was gone. The square was silent again.

Back in her hotel room, Alice sat on the bed, too scared to move. She didn’t know what the key opened. She didn’t want to know.

Outside, she could hear a boat moving slowly through the canal. Venice was beautiful—but it felt dangerous too.

📒 Key vocabulary

• Venice – a city in north-eastern Italy, famous for its canals
• Grand Canal – the main, large water street in Venice
• coat – clothing you wear over other clothes to keep warm
• replied – answered
• footsteps – the sound of someone walking
• scarf – a piece of clothing you wear around your neck
• whispered – spoke quietly
• nodded – moved her head up and down to show agreement

🤔 Comprehension quiz