One possible theme is regret. In 'a painful case short story', perhaps the protagonist has made some choices in the past that they now deeply regret, and this regret is a central part of the pain they experience. For example, they might have missed an opportunity for love or friendship due to their own actions or inactions.
The main theme could be isolation. The character in the story might be isolated from society or from meaningful human connections, which causes them pain.
I'm not sure as I haven't read the specific 'a painful case short story'. But typically, there could be a protagonist who is the central figure experiencing the pain, and perhaps there are secondary characters like friends or family members who either contribute to or are witnesses of the protagonist's situation.
The complex characters and their inner struggles make it compelling. The story delves deep into human emotions and leaves you thinking.
One possible theme could be 'protection'. The glass case is there to protect whatever is inside it, and this could extend to themes about protecting one's heart, ideas, or secrets in a more metaphorical sense.
Unrequited love often makes a short story painful. When a character loves someone deeply but that love is not returned, as seen in many romantic short stories. The feeling of rejection, longing, and the heartbreak can be really agonizing.
As I'm not aware of the '1408 short story', it's difficult to determine the main theme. It could potentially be about isolation if it's set in a single location like room 1408. Maybe it's about the psychological state of a character who is in that particular place. But without more information, it's all speculation.
Another possible theme could be perception. How characters perceive each other and events can lead to suspicion. If one character misinterprets the actions of another, it can fuel the sense of suspicion in the story. Also, the theme of truth might be involved as the characters try to figure out whether their suspicions are based on truth or false assumptions.
A frequent theme in a painful lesson short story is impulsiveness. Acting without thinking, like making a hasty investment or a quick decision without considering all aspects, can lead to negative outcomes. Another theme can be the disregard for ethics. If a person cheats or lies in order to achieve a goal, they will likely face a painful reckoning when the truth is discovered.
The raw emotions and real-life struggles it portrays. It makes you feel like you're not alone in your pain.
A compelling painful lesson short story often has a unique setting that adds to the intensity of the experience. The conflict should be intense and the resolution should be both satisfying and thought-provoking. The language used should be evocative to really draw the reader in.
The main theme could be freedom. In many runaway stories, the character runs away to break free from some form of restriction, whether it's a strict family environment, a difficult social situation, or personal problems. They seek a new start or a different way of life.