What are some elements that make sad dying stories so touching?

One element is the contrast between the cuteness of their relationship and the sadness of their situation. For example, in a story where a couple has a really sweet and loving daily life but then has to separate due to unforeseen circumstances. The memories of their cute times together make the separation even sadder.

One element is unfulfilled love. For example, when two people love each other but are separated by circumstances like family disapproval or distance. Another is sacrifice. Like in the story where the man who came back from war chose not to disrupt his ex - girlfriend's new life. Also, the shortness of time they have together, like the couple where one is terminally ill, makes it sadder. It makes the love seem more precious and the loss more painful.

The ability to find humor in the face of death shows a strong character. In these stories, the dying person often has a unique perspective that makes us laugh and also admire them. It's like they are defying the gravity of the situation with their humor. For instance, a person joking about how they'll haunt people in a funny way after death.

Loss often makes a story sad and touching. For example, the loss of a loved one like in the story of the old dog waiting for its deceased owner. It creates a sense of longing and sadness that touches the heart.

The contrast. The cuteness draws you in, like a cute little animal or a sweet - looking child. Then the sadness hits, and it creates an emotional punch. For example, a little bunny with a broken leg is cute but also makes you feel sad for it.

One element is the sense of loss. In true sad short stories, it could be the loss of a loved one, like in the story of the dog waiting for its deceased owner. Another is the feeling of helplessness. For example, the homeless man with the picture of his family, he can't do anything to find them. These elements create an emotional punch.

Isolation is a key factor. When a character is all alone in their suffering, it intensifies the sadness. For instance, an elderly person in a nursing home who has no visitors. They feel forgotten and unloved. Their loneliness seeps through the story and makes it really sad. The lack of hope is another. If a story shows no way out for the characters, it leaves a heavy feeling in the reader's heart.

The contrast. When something unexpected and humorous happens in a sad situation or vice versa, it catches our attention. For example, in a story where a person loses their job (sad) but then finds a new and better opportunity in the most comical way, like accidentally bumping into the boss of a new company at a park and getting hired on the spot.

One element is the sense of loss. For example, when someone loses a loved one unexpectedly, like in a tragic accident. It's a huge loss that makes the story sad and crazy because it's so unexpected and hard to bear.

One element is the display of genuine emotions. When people in the story show raw love, hope, or perseverance, it touches our hearts. For example, in stories where a person overcomes great odds because of their love for someone else.