One possible theme could be isolation. Since the man is in the middle, he might be isolated from help or from normalcy, which adds to the creepiness.
Another theme could be the unknown. He's in the middle of something, but he doesn't know what's really going on around him, whether it's a supernatural force or some hidden danger. This lack of knowledge creates fear. And also, the theme of being trapped could be there. He might feel like he can't escape from the situation he's in, in the middle, which is a very scary feeling.
The theme of powerlessness might also be present. The man in the middle might not be able to control what's happening to him. He could be at the mercy of whatever is surrounding him. For instance, if there are strange entities or forces around him, he has no way to fight back or get away. This powerlessness makes the story really creepy. Also, there could be a theme of psychological horror where his own mind starts to play tricks on him while he's in this in - between state, making him question his sanity.
I'm not sure which specific 'the man in the middle creepy story' you are referring to. There could be many stories with such a title. It might be about a man who is caught in a strange or spooky situation in the middle of something, like in the middle of a haunted place or between two strange events.
The theme of powerlessness could also be present. The character in the story might feel powerless against this unseen watcher. They can't seem to stop the texts from coming or figure out who it is. And also, there could be a theme of isolation. As the character becomes more and more paranoid, they might start to isolate themselves from others, fearing that the watcher could be anyone, even those close to them.
One possible theme could be the subversion of traditional Christmas values. Instead of the usual joy and giving associated with Santa, it might explore the darker side of human nature during the Christmas season.
One possible theme could be friendship. Middle school students often form strong bonds with their peers, and the story might show how these friendships develop and change over time.
One common theme is betrayal. Since someone is secretly intercepting and often manipulating the communication between two parties, it feels like a form of betrayal. Another theme is the loss of privacy. The parties involved think their communication is private but in fact it's being invaded.
One possible theme could be fear. The very idea of a 'creepy' school bus descending implies that there's something to be afraid of.
Another theme might be growth and development. Maybe the story shows how the character is almost reaching a new level of maturity or personal growth. It could be about the steps he takes and the challenges he faces on this journey towards becoming a 'full' man.
One possible theme could be misjudgment. The man might misjudge the bimbo - like character at first sight, thinking she is just a ditzy or shallow person, but later discovers her true depth.
One possible theme is perseverance. The ordinary man may face many setbacks but keeps going. Another theme could be self - discovery, as he tries to figure out who he really is in the midst of a normal life.
Another theme could be transformation. Maybe the deer man is a result of some kind of transformation, either magical or spiritual. This could explore ideas of change and what it means to be different. Also, the theme of friendship or kinship could be present. If the deer man is part of a deer community, it could show how different beings can form strong bonds.