A time - travel plot could be interesting. A character finds an old watch that transports them back to a significant moment in history, like the signing of an important treaty. There, they face a dilemma: whether to interfere with the events or let history take its course. This creates tension and a moral quandary that can be explored within the short story.
One idea could be a person moving into a new house. Every night, they hear strange scratching noises coming from inside the walls. As they investigate, they find old, faded photos of a family that looks just like them but with sinister expressions. The scratches start to form words like 'leave' on the walls.
One idea could be a story about a lonely lighthouse keeper who discovers a mysterious message in a bottle. This message leads him on an unexpected adventure that changes his view of the world around him.
One idea could be a story about a young artist who discovers a magical paintbrush that brings his paintings to life. He then has to deal with the chaos that ensues as the living paintings start to interact with the real world in unexpected ways.
A story about a person who gains the ability to read minds but realizes it's not as great as it seems. They struggle with the burden of knowing everyone's secrets and the isolation it brings.
One idea could be a story about a lonely lighthouse keeper. He has spent years in isolation, watching the sea. One day, he discovers a strange object washed ashore. This object turns out to be a magical item that starts to change his life and the way he views the world around him.
One idea could be a chance encounter at a coffee shop. A girl accidentally spills her coffee on a guy. They start talking while cleaning up the mess and find they have a lot in common, like a shared love for old movies. Their relationship then blossoms from there.