The unexpected noises are really scary. Like sudden creaking sounds or soft whispers when no one else is supposed to be in the house. It gives a feeling of being watched and not being alone.
The strange behavior of inanimate objects. When toys start acting oddly, like moving on their own or forming patterns that seem to convey a message, it's very frightening. It makes the babysitter question what is real and what is not, and she has to deal with this while also taking care of the baby.
The presence of unexplained figures. These shadowy or semi - transparent forms that seem to lurk around the baby and the babysitter create a lot of tension. They often appear and disappear mysteriously, making the babysitter constantly on edge.
The unexpectedness is really scary. You know, like when the characters think they're having a great time on spring break, then suddenly something terrifying happens. For example, they could be sunbathing on the beach and then a hand comes out of the sand.
The unknown is one of the scariest elements. For example, when people respond to Craigslist ads, they don't really know who they're dealing with. Like in the case of meeting someone for a sale or a job interview, the person on the other side could have malicious intentions and you have no idea until it's too late.
The unknown. In his stories, it's often the things that can't be explained easily. Like a strange sound in the middle of the night that has no obvious source. It makes your mind race with all kinds of scary possibilities.
There might be a story where the babysitter sees a shadowy figure moving around the house. At first, she thinks it's her imagination, but then she notices the figure getting closer and closer to the baby's room. She tries to protect the baby but feels a sense of dread throughout the night.
The sense of the unknown. For example, in many of the stories, there are unexplained noises and apparitions. You don't know what is causing them, and that's really scary.
The idea of something supernatural being involved is really frightening. When there are signs of ghosts or other unworldly entities, like the baby staring at something that the babysitter can't see, it gives a sense of a reality that is beyond our normal understanding and control.
For me, it's when something seems to be not right with the kids. For example, if a normally calm kid suddenly becomes very agitated for no obvious reason. Or if a kid starts acting in a very strange and out - of - character way. In one story, a kid just stared blankly at the wall for hours without blinking while the babysitter was there. It was really creepy. Another aspect is when there are unexplained events like objects moving on their own. In a babysitting situation, you are responsible for the safety of the kids, and these strange happenings make you feel like you're not in control.
One of the scariest parts is when you sense something is wrong but can't explain it. For example, a babysitter might feel like they're being watched, but there's no one there. And then things start to move on their own, like toys or furniture. It's really creepy and makes you feel vulnerable especially when you're responsible for a child's safety.
Another scary element is the sense of isolation. For instance, if someone is alone in a spooky place like an old asylum. There's no one to help, and the place is filled with a history of pain and suffering. It makes you feel like you're at the mercy of whatever lurks there. Also, the idea of something that defies logic, like a ghostly figure that can pass through walls, is really frightening. It challenges our understanding of the world and makes us feel vulnerable.
Unusual behavior from the children can be really frightening. For example, if they start talking to someone who isn't there or acting in a way that is completely out of character. It makes you wonder what is wrong with them or if there is something else in the house influencing them.