two word scary stories

They're effective because they're concise. For example, 'Dead End'. It immediately creates a sense of finality and possible danger. There's no way out and who knows what's waiting there.

Dark Room. Just two words but it can be really scary as it makes you think of the unknown terrors that might lurk in a dark room.

A child was home alone when the power went out. He lit a candle. In the flickering light, he saw a shadow on the wall that didn't match his own. It grew bigger and bigger. He ran to his room and hid under the bed. The shadow seemed to follow him. He closed his eyes and prayed until his parents came home.

Horror tales.

Empty House. There's something spooky about an empty house. It stands there, quiet and desolate, and you can't help but wonder what happened inside or if there are unseen presences.

At the graveyard, a figure vanished as I blinked. Creepy.

Walking alone, a cold hand grabbed my shoulder from behind.

Moonlit graveyard. Shadows lurked.

The mirror showed a demon.

Silent. House. Footstep. In a silent house, the sound of a single footstep can be spine - chilling. You expect the house to be empty, but then there's that unexpected noise. It could be an intruder, or something more supernatural. You freeze in fear, not knowing what's coming next.