One possible theme could be good vs. evil. Since it has 'big bad' in the title, there might be a clear distinction between a 'bad' force or character and those who oppose it.
One possible theme could be redemption. The bad son might realize his wrongdoings and strive to make amends.
One possible plotline is that two people from different social classes fall in love. The 'big bad' here could be the social differences and the prejudice from their respective communities, which they have to overcome to be together.
Another theme could be teaching or mentorship. Just as the big sister taught her younger sister to paint. Big sisters can pass on their knowledge and skills to their younger siblings, which is a very positive theme in these kinds of stories.
Love and loss could be a common theme. In many short stories, 'big bad love' might imply a love that is intense but perhaps not entirely positive. It could involve themes like heartbreak, unrequited love, or the challenges that come with a passionate relationship.
One possible theme is accountability. It shows that we should take responsibility for our own actions and not just find scapegoats. Another theme could be self - awareness. The bad workman lacks the awareness of his own incompetence and blames the tools instead.
Another theme might be self - discovery. As the character embarks on this trip, they may learn more about themselves. For example, they could discover their inner strength or their true desires during the journey. The journey to 'up yonder' can act as a catalyst for this self - exploration. Also, the theme of change could be present. The trip could cause a significant transformation in the character's life, whether it's in their beliefs, relationships, or their overall perspective.
It could be about a complex or perhaps a bittersweet love story. Maybe 'big bad' is used to describe a challenging or unconventional aspect of the love, like a difficult situation the lovers face.
I'm not sure specifically what the 'big bad short story' is about without more context. It could be about a villainous character in a short narrative.
Another theme might be the unknown and the fear of the unseen. The bad water could be a carrier of something that is not immediately visible, like a supernatural force or a deadly micro - organism. This creates a sense of dread as the characters try to figure out what is wrong with the water and how to stop it from harming them. Also, the theme of isolation could be present. If the bad water affects a particular area, those in that area may be cut off from the outside world, adding to the horror as they struggle alone against the threat of the bad water.
One possible 'a bad day short story' is when I went shopping. I had a long list of things to buy. But the store was out of most of the items I needed. Then, as I was leaving, I accidentally bumped into a display and knocked some things over. The store manager was not very happy and gave me a dirty look. It made me feel so embarrassed and it was a really bad day.