Is 'It's Him' a really scary story? And what makes it so?

The element of the unknown. When things are left to the imagination, it scares people more. For example, in a story about a haunted house, not fully showing the 'ghost' but just giving hints like strange noises or cold spots makes it scarier. Because people's minds will create their own terrifying images.

The element of the unknown. When readers or listeners don't know what's going to happen next, it creates suspense and fear. For example, in a story where a character is exploring an old, dark house and strange noises keep coming from different rooms, not knowing what is making those noises makes it scary.

The unknown factor makes really really scary stories terrifying. When we don't know what's going to happen next or what the source of the horror is, our imagination runs wild. For example, in a story about a strange noise in an attic, not seeing the cause of the noise creates a sense of unease.

The use of atmosphere. A really scary story will set a dark and foreboding atmosphere. Descriptions of dark, lonely places, like an old cemetery at midnight. The cold wind, the howling of animals in the distance. All these details work together to create a sense of dread. Also, the characters in these stories are often ordinary people, which makes it easier for us to put ourselves in their shoes and feel the fear they experience.

The unknown element makes them scary. In really terrifying stories, often there are things that are not fully explained. For example, in a story about a haunted doll, we don't really know how it can move on its own or why it seems to have a malevolent presence. It's this mystery that sends chills down our spines.

In 'Everything for Sale', the scariness lies in the implications of such a title. Imagine a world where every single thing, whether it's a person's identity, their freedom, or their future, can be bought and sold. It could lead to extreme exploitation. People might be forced to sell parts of themselves they never thought they would, like their creativity or their right to privacy. It's a horror story about the devaluation of all that is intangible and yet so important to us as human beings.

The atmosphere. If it's set in a dark, isolated place, it can be really frightening.

The use of atmosphere can make a short story really scary. If you set the scene in a dark, abandoned place like an old cemetery or a deserted house, it immediately gives off an eerie feeling. Additionally, having relatable characters who are in danger makes the reader more invested in the story. When bad things start to happen to them, the reader can imagine themselves in that situation, which is terrifying. For instance, a story about a person alone in a haunted forest at night, lost and hearing strange howls. The combination of the setting, the vulnerability of the character, and the mystery of the howls all contribute to the scariness.

The thrill. We like to be scared in a safe way. Scary stories give us that adrenaline rush.

The unknown factor makes really really scary ghost stories so frightening. Ghosts are often depicted as mysterious entities that defy the laws of the living world. We don't know what they can do or how they interact with us. For example, in a story where a ghost can pass through walls or appear and disappear at will, it creates a sense of unease as it goes against our normal understanding of reality.