Let me in scary story: What are some common themes in 'Let me in' scary stories?

Well, the setting can enhance the scariness in multiple ways. If it's set in a fog - filled cemetery, the fog can obscure vision, and you can't tell what's out there. The tombstones and the feeling of death all around add to the horror. A small, claustrophobic room where the character is trapped and the only way out is through the door where the 'let me in' is coming from is very effective. The lack of space makes the character feel more vulnerable. Also, a cold, damp cellar can be a great setting. The cold seeps into your bones, and you can imagine all sorts of things lurking in the shadows.

Some common themes could be the fear of the unknown in the wilderness. Maybe things like strange noises at night, which often turn out to be something spooky. Another theme could be getting lost and encountering something terrifying while trying to find the way back.

Perhaps it's a story of a cursed object. When someone gets too close to this object, they hear the voice 'don't let me in'. The object could have been used in some dark ritual in the past, and the entity associated with it is trying to possess the nearest person. For example, it could be an old doll with a sinister past.

A group of teenagers could be the protagonists. They're out camping in the woods when they hear the voice. Their inexperience and the natural bravado of teenagers would create an interesting dynamic. Some might want to investigate, while others would be more cautious, leading to conflict within the group as they deal with the 'don't let me in' mystery.

Well, a great scary story often has an atmosphere of dread. This can be created by things like a dark and foggy setting, or a very quiet place where the slightest sound seems amplified. The idea of being hunted is also terrifying. For example, if there's a serial killer on the loose in the story, and the main character can't escape. And don't forget the power of the unexpected. A sudden jump scare or a plot twist that you never saw coming can make a story truly scary.

Here's another one. There was a hotel that was very old. Many guests reported seeing a woman in a white dress walking the halls at night. A couple decided to stay there. During the night, they woke up to the sound of sobbing. They opened the door to see who it was, but there was no one there. But the sobbing continued, getting louder and louder.

Use cliffhangers at the end of sections. Say, a character is about to open a door that they've been warned not to. End the part there and make the reader wait to find out what's behind the door. Also, play with the reader's expectations. You might make it seem like a friendly neighbor is coming to help, but then as they get closer, their appearance changes into something menacing.

Well, perhaps the scariest elements could be the sense of the unknown. If there's something or someone that 'don't let me in', it creates mystery. Is it a haunted place? Or a malevolent being? Another scary part could be the feeling of being excluded from safety. If it's a place that's supposed to be safe like a home or a shelter, being barred from entering can be terrifying as it might mean facing danger alone outside.

Well, one common theme is the idea of 'love at first sight'. You know, like in Romeo and Juliet, they saw each other and were instantly smitten. Another theme is sacrifice. In many love stories, one or both of the lovers sacrifice something for the sake of their relationship, like giving up a career opportunity or moving to a new place. And then there's the theme of overcoming obstacles. Whether it's differences in social class, family disapproval, or some external force, lovers often have to fight to be together.

I would end it with the protagonist finally giving up and walking away, only to hear a blood - curdling scream from inside the place that didn't let them in. Then, the protagonist runs away as fast as they can, constantly looking over their shoulder, never to return again.