Can you recommend some short and really scary stories?

One short and scary story is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. In this story, the narrator is obsessed with an old man's vulture - like eye and eventually murders him. He then hears the sound of the old man's heart still beating, which drives him to insanity. Another is 'The Hitchhiker'. A person keeps seeing the same hitchhiker on the road no matter how far they drive, creating a sense of unease and mystery. And 'The Monkey's Paw' is also terrifying. A family gets a magical monkey's paw that grants wishes, but every wish comes with a horrible and unexpected consequence.

Sure. There might be a story about a deranged killer who haunts an old asylum. The asylum has long, dark corridors filled with the screams of the past victims. The killer's footsteps can be heard echoing, and his shadow looms menacingly around every corner.

Another great one is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. In a seemingly ordinary village, there is an annual lottery. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this lottery has a very dark and disturbing outcome. It shows how blindly following tradition can lead to horror.

Another one is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. In a small town, there is an annual lottery. At first, it seems like a normal event, but as the story progresses, it turns out that the 'winner' of the lottery will be stoned to death by the townspeople. It shows the dark side of human nature and blind adherence to tradition.

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.

Effective use of the unknown is a big factor. In really scary short stories, authors often leave a lot to the imagination. Instead of showing every detail of the monster or the horror, they give just enough hints to make the reader's mind fill in the blanks, which can be much scarier. For instance, in some stories, the source of a strange noise is never fully revealed, leaving the reader to wonder and fear. Also, the ability to create a sense of unease or dread quickly is crucial. A well - crafted first sentence can set the mood for the whole story, making the reader feel on edge from the start.

One true short and scary story is about the Bell Witch. In Tennessee, there was a spirit that haunted the Bell family. It would make strange noises, pull people's hair, and even slap them. It tormented the family for years, and many witnesses attested to its existence.

The 'Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark' series is quite good. It has lots of short, spine - chilling tales.