The element of being unprepared is quite common. People are usually just going about their normal day, not expecting any danger. For instance, you might be walking home from work or school, not thinking that someone could be plotting to kidnap you. And then there's the quick decision - making that has to happen, like whether to run, scream or try to find help immediately.
When I was a kid, a strange man tried to grab my arm while I was waiting for my parents outside a supermarket. I screamed really loud and he let go. He quickly ran away when people started looking. It was terrifying as I was so young and defenseless.
One time, I was walking home from school alone. A van pulled up beside me and the driver asked if I wanted a ride. I said no but he kept insisting. I started running and hid in a nearby store until he drove away. It was terrifying.
A girl in my neighborhood was almost kidnapped. She was walking her dog in the evening. A woman came up to her and started asking her a lot of questions about where she lived and if she was alone. Then the woman grabbed her arm. The girl's dog started barking loudly and she managed to break free and run home. It was so scary that she didn't go out alone for a long time.
One common element is the sense of vulnerability. Gay individuals might be targeted because they are seen as an 'easy' target in some cases. Another element could be the fear and isolation they feel during the kidnapping.
Another common element is the willingness to change. In these success stories, at least one partner was willing to make changes in their behavior or attitude. For instance, if one was too controlling, they learned to be more flexible, which helped save the marriage.
One common element is the use of a spooky setting like an old, abandoned house or a dark forest. Another is the presence of a menacing antagonist, such as a vampire or a serial killer. Also, horror stories often build suspense through things like strange noises or unexplained events.
Supernatural entities like ghosts, vampires or demons often appear in horror stories. They bring an element of the unknown and the unbeatable. Their powers are beyond human understanding, which scares us. For instance, a ghost that can pass through walls and cause harm to the living.
One common element is the sense of isolation. Victims are often cut off from the outside world, like in the case of Jaycee Dugard who was held in a secluded compound. Another element is the power imbalance. The kidnappers have complete control over the victims, which they use to torture them both physically and mentally.
Fear is a common element. The kidnapped character is usually very afraid for their life or safety. Another element is the unknown. They don't know what the kidnappers want or what will happen to them. And often, there's a sense of isolation, like being locked in a room or taken to a remote place where they can't easily get help.
We can learn to be more vigilant. For example, always be aware of your surroundings. In those almost kidnapped stories, the victims were often alone and not fully paying attention. If we are more observant, we can notice if someone is acting suspiciously.