Well, it depends on your perspective. If you mean the character's identity, then yes, it's really them. But if you're asking about the authenticity of the situation, that could be up for interpretation.
A little kitten was left alone on the side of a cold, wet road. It meowed pitifully, looking for its mother. But no one came. Days passed, and it grew weaker. It tried to find shelter under a broken box, but it was still exposed to the elements. Eventually, it stopped meowing and lay still. It was a really sad sight to see such a young and helpless creature perish alone.
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.
I was home alone one night. I heard a strange knocking on the door. I looked through the peephole but saw nothing. The knocking continued. I decided to open the door. There was no one there. But then, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder. I turned around and saw a pair of red eyes in the darkness.
Well, a very short story is commonly referred to as a 'vignette'. These are usually super brief but can still pack a punch. They might focus on one moment or a simple idea and present it in a concise way.
Once, a girl was walking home late at night. Suddenly, a cold hand touched her shoulder. She turned around and saw nothing but felt a chill. That's the short ghost story.
Once there was a dog named Max. He had been with his family for years. But old age and illness caught up with him. His legs could no longer carry him far, and he lost his appetite. His family did their best, but one day, Max just lay down and didn't get up again. His eyes, which used to be full of life, were dull. His family was heartbroken as they watched him take his last breath. It was a really sad end for a beloved pet.
A short story of friendship could be: 'A woman dropped her books. Another helped. They started chatting and became friends. It shows how a small act can start a friendship.