Perhaps the theme is the power of superstition. The ham being scary could be due to some superstitious beliefs associated with it. Maybe in the story's world, there are rumors or old wives' tales about the ham having some sort of dark power. And the characters' reactions to the ham are driven by these superstitious ideas. This would show how superstition can create fear and shape people's behavior, even when it comes to something as ordinary as a ham.
Darkness is often in the theme of a scary story. It hides things, creates mystery. Also, things that are not normal, like ghosts or mutants. In 'The Shining', the haunted hotel with its strange rooms and creepy twins is a great example. Strange noises can be part of it too. Just think of all those movies where there are unexplained creaking sounds in an old house. It makes the hair on your neck stand up.
The theme of a possessed person. Their behavior changes drastically, and they do things that are not normal, like speaking in tongues or having superhuman strength. It gives a sense of the unknown and the fear of something taking over a person's body.
One theme could be a desolate forest at night. There are strange sounds coming from the bushes, and the trees seem to be alive and menacing. Also, the idea of a vengeful spirit is a classic. A spirit that has been wronged in the past and now seeks revenge on the living, following them everywhere they go.
Through atmosphere. If you can create a spooky atmosphere, like a dark and foggy forest in a story, it gets the point across. Sound effects in movies are also crucial. A sudden loud noise can make people jump. In writing, vivid descriptions of scary things work well. For example, 'The eyes glowed red in the darkness' gives a spooky image.
Well, there was a story in a certain theme park where an old, abandoned building within the park was said to be haunted. Workers would avoid going near it at night because they heard strange noises and saw flickering lights. Some visitors also reported feeling a cold chill and a sense of being watched as they passed by that area. There was also a water ride where people thought they saw a ghostly figure floating in the water after hours. It was really spooky.
There's a story about a theme park's Ferris wheel. One night, a couple got stuck at the very top. As they waited for help, they saw a strange mist forming around them. Then, they heard a voice whispering their names. They were so scared that when they finally got down, they refused to ever go near the Ferris wheel again.
It might be about survival. The scary night presents a lot of challenges, and the robot and Rico have to work together to get through it. For example, they could be facing some sort of monsters or a dangerous environment. The robot could use its mechanical skills and Rico could use his wits or physical abilities to stay alive.
Common elements in scary stories often include dark and isolated settings like an old, creaky house in the middle of a forest. There are also usually mysterious characters, such as a shadowy figure that lurks in the background. Another element is the use of the unknown and the unexpected, like a sudden strange noise in a quiet place. And of course, there's often a sense of danger or impending doom that builds throughout the story.