A cliffhanger ending can also work well for a short story. Leave the reader with a big question. For example, the main character is about to open a door that could lead to a new world or great danger. The reader will be left wondering what happens next, and it might even make them come up with their own endings in their minds.
Just start with an action. Like 'The door slammed shut behind him.' This immediately creates a sense of mystery. Who is he? Why did the door slam? It gives you a starting point to build the story from. You can then introduce the character's thoughts or feelings. Maybe he's running from something, or he's just had a really bad day.
A reconciliation can also make a great short story ending. Let's say two friends had a huge fight and the story was about their estrangement. In the end, they meet, have an honest conversation, and forgive each other. This type of ending leaves the reader with a warm, fuzzy feeling of restored relationships.
A happy reunion can also make a great short - story ending. Say two friends had a big fight and parted ways. Throughout the story, they both realize how much they miss each other. In the end, they accidentally meet in a place that has special meaning to them and they hug, forgive each other, and their friendship is restored. This type of ending tugs at the heartstrings and leaves the reader with a warm feeling.
One ending could be that the main character realizes they are actually dead and have been in a purgatory - like state all along. For instance, in the asylum story, the girl finds out that she died in a car accident near the asylum years ago and has been trapped there ever since.
You could end it with a cliffhanger. For example, the main character is about to open a mysterious door, and then the story just stops. This leaves the readers wondering what's behind the door and they can come up with their own ideas.
You could try writing about a post-apocalyptic world and how characters survive. Or a story centered around a competition where the stakes are high. Also, a story about a group of friends on a mission to save their hometown could be interesting.
One good twist ending could be that the person the protagonist has been helping throughout the story is actually the villain who has been manipulating events all along. For example, in a story where a detective is helping a seemingly innocent witness, at the end it's revealed that the witness set up the whole crime just to get revenge on someone and used the detective to cover their tracks.
A bittersweet ending can also work well. Maybe the protagonist sacrifices themselves to save the fantasy world but in doing so, they leave behind a legacy. The world is saved, but their friends and family must now live without them. Like a knight who gives his life to seal a rift to the underworld, and his name becomes a legend that lives on, inspiring future generations.
First, create likable characters. For example, a kind - hearted young girl. Then, put them in a challenging situation like she is lost in a forest. Next, introduce elements that lead to a happy ending, such as she finds a friendly animal that guides her home. The key is to make the characters' positive traits drive the plot towards a happy conclusion.
I'm not sure specifically as I haven't read this particular 'the dare short story'. It could be about a person being dared to do something extraordinary, like facing a fear, taking a risk in a relationship, or trying a new and challenging activity.