Footsteps followed. No one there.
Think of a simple but spooky situation. For example, 'Silent phone, caller ID unknown'. You can start with a common object or situation like a phone. The unknown caller ID adds mystery and a bit of fear. It's about capturing a moment of fear in just six words.
Take the words 'eerie', 'mysterious', 'cursed'. Well, in a small village, there was a mysterious well. It was known to be cursed. The villagers were always afraid to go near it. One day, a curious boy decided to explore it. As he peered into the well, an eerie feeling came over him. The water seemed to be black and bottomless. He heard a whisper, as if something was calling his name from the depths. His body froze with fear, realizing he might have made a big mistake by coming so close to the cursed well.
Words like 'gloom' and 'shadow' can create a spooky atmosphere. 'Gloom' gives a feeling of heaviness and darkness, while'shadow' can make one think of hidden and menacing things. For instance, a description of a room filled with gloom and long, strange shadows can immediately set a scary mood.
Words like 'haunted', 'gloomy' and 'eerie' are great. 'Haunted' implies a place or thing is possessed by spirits which is very spooky. 'Gloomy' gives a sense of darkness and sadness, setting a foreboding mood. 'Eerie' makes one feel that something strange and unsettling is about to happen.
A tale with a beginning, middle, end.
Think of a strong emotion, like love or loss. Then find six words that capture it. For example, 'Loved her. Lost her. Forgot how.'
Moonlight, figure, near grave. Under the moonlight, I saw a figure near a grave. It was hunched over, as if doing something strange. I could feel a sense of dread wash over me. I didn't want to get closer but I also couldn't look away, fearing that it might notice me if I made any sudden moves.