Another good conclusion could be that the world is reset in a way. The zombies and humans both disappear, and a new species emerges. It could be a more evolved form of life that has learned from the mistakes of the past. This would be a very thought - provoking end to a zombie story.
A good ending can also be a cliffhanger if you are planning a sequel. For instance, the main character is about to face a huge, unknown danger at the end. It leaves the readers eager for more. However, it's important to note that not all stories can have a cliffhanger ending. It depends on the genre and the overall feel of the story.
You can end it with a powerful image. Say, a lone figure standing on a cliff as the sun sets, which can symbolize many things like new beginnings or solitude. It allows the reader to interpret it in their own way and gives a sense of finality.
End it with a time - jump. Show how the events of the ghost story have affected the main character in the long run. Maybe years later, they still get a shiver down their spine when they think about it, but they have also learned to live with the memory. It gives a sense of how deeply the ghost story has impacted them.
One great way is to have the last remaining survivors find a safe haven. For example, they could discover an island that is zombie - free. They start building a new community there, with hope for the future. It gives a sense of closure as the threat of zombies is left behind and they can focus on rebuilding civilization.
One way could be that a scientist discovers a cure and manages to spread it through the air, turning all the zombies back to normal humans. It's a positive and unexpected end that gives hope.
Begin with a statement about the prey. 'The deer in these parts were known for their cunning. They seemed to disappear into the thickets at the slightest sound. But I was determined that this time, I would outwit them. With that thought in mind, I stepped into the hunting grounds.' This shows the challenge ahead and gets the reader interested in how you will face it.
Beginning with an unexpected statement can also be effective. 'The cat was reading a book.' This kind of start grabs the reader's attention because it's so out of the ordinary. It makes them want to know more about how this could be possible in the context of the story. It's a great way to start a story that's meant to be full of surprises and twists.
A sudden, unexpected event can be a great start. Like, 'The moment I opened the door, a cold hand grabbed my wrist from the darkness inside.'
Start with a flashback to a time before the dystopia took hold. Maybe show a happy family having a picnic in a beautiful park, and then cut to the present where that park is now a fenced - off, contaminated area. This contrast between the past and present emphasizes how bad the current situation is and makes the reader curious about what led to such a drastic change.
One less common way to end a story is to have the story cycle back to the beginning. So, if the story started with a character standing in front of an old oak tree, it ends with the character in the same position, but with a different understanding or feeling. This creates a sense of circularity and can be very thought - provoking. Another option is to end with a completely silent moment. After all the action and dialogue, just having a moment of pure silence can be very powerful. It allows the reader to take a breath and really absorb the story. You could also end with a series of questions from the main character, making the reader question things along with the character.