Often, it could be the element of the unknown. In a 'dear abby scary story', things that are not fully explained or understood can be really terrifying. For example, if there's a strange figure that keeps appearing without any clear reason.
I'm not sure which specific 'dear abby scary story' you're referring to. There could be many scary stories shared in the 'dear abby' context. Maybe you can give more details?
Well, in the 'Dear David' scary story, the way it's written makes it really scary. It might use a lot of details that seem ordinary at first but then take on a sinister meaning. For example, simple things like a note left by David or a strange sound he makes can be very creepy. Also, the fact that the narrator can't seem to get away from David, no matter what they do, adds to the terror.
Well, characters play a big part in a scary story. If you have a vulnerable character, like a child or an old person, it makes the danger seem more real. And then there are the antagonists. They can be supernatural beings like ghosts or vampires, or just really evil people. For instance, in the story of Dracula, Dracula himself is a terrifying antagonist. The setting also matters. A spooky old castle or a desolate graveyard can add to the scariness. The more details about these elements, the better the scary story.
The mystery surrounding the wanderer is what makes it so scary. We don't know where it comes from, what it wants, or why it's wandering. This lack of knowledge creates fear in our minds. Also, it might be associated with death or bad omens. For instance, whenever it shows up, strange things start to happen like animals acting strangely or the weather suddenly changing for the worse. It gives the impression that it has some sort of power over the natural world, and that power is not friendly to humans.
The unknown elements make a scary story terrifying. When there are things that the characters and the readers don't understand, like a strange noise in the dark or a figure that appears and disappears without explanation, it creates fear. For example, in a haunted house story, if there are unexplained cold spots or voices, it gives a sense of unease.
The newl scary story might be scary because of its ability to tap into our deep - seated fears. Things like death, the afterlife, or being in a vulnerable position. It could also be the way the story messes with our minds, making us question what's real and what's not. Maybe there are sudden jumpscares in the story that catch us off guard, or it could be a slow - burning horror that creeps up on you as you read further.
Perhaps it's the cat's appearance. If it has long, sharp claws and a wild look in its eyes, that can be really frightening.
Regarding 'She opened her eyes. Darkness everywhere. Then she realized she was already dead.', it's the sudden realization of a terrible truth. The contrast between thinking you're alive and then finding out you're dead is a huge shock. It plays on our fear of the afterlife, of the unknown state of being dead, and the fact that we may not even be aware of our own death.
The mystery around the hook. We don't know exactly what it is or what it can do, and that's scary.
Well, it could be the atmosphere described in the story. If it creates a really dark and eerie feeling, that would make it scary.