One could be 'I saw Joan Cusack in the mirror. But when I turned around, she was still there.'
Here's another: 'Joan Cusack whispered in my ear. Then I realized I was alone in the room.'
Maybe 'Joan Cusack stood at the end of the hall. As I walked closer, her smile grew more sinister.'
Sure. 'Joan Cusack's eyes followed me. Everywhere I hid, those eyes found me.'
Another really scary one could be 'My phone rang at 3 am. The caller ID said it was me.' It plays on the idea of the self being something other or unknown, and calls at that time are always spooky.
Story 1: I woke up to a cold hand on my face. When I turned on the light, no one was there.
She walked into the empty forest. Every step she took, a whispering voice behind her grew louder.
How about this: 'I heard footsteps behind me. When I turned around, there was no one there, but the footsteps grew louder.'
I think 'The clock stopped at midnight. Then I heard footsteps.' is quite scary. It gives this feeling of something ominous starting right at a spooky time.
I looked out of the window. A faceless man was looking right back at me. It sent shivers down my spine immediately. Horror often lies in the unknown, and a faceless figure is the epitome of that. It made me question my safety even in my own home.
I walked into the empty room. Suddenly, I felt a cold hand on my shoulder, but no one was there.
One example could be 'I woke up to find a cold hand on my shoulder. I live alone.' Another is 'The old doll in the attic blinked. It was facing the wall before.'
I woke up to a strange noise. When I looked under the bed, I saw a pair of eyes staring back at me.