Well, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe is a classic short story that's really worth reading. It delves into the mind of a deranged narrator, creating a sense of horror and unease. 'To Build a Fire' by Jack London is another great one. It's about a man's struggle against the harsh environment in the Yukon. And don't forget 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. This story is quite shocking as it reveals the dark side of a small town's tradition.
One of the must - read classic short fiction stories is 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It tells the story of a young couple who sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other. Another is 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, which shows the consequences of vanity. 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor is also a great one, exploring themes of morality and redemption.