What is the least amount of words that a short story can be. Is it suppose to be in past tense?

There is no minimum number of words for a short story. Most stories are written in the past tense -- but sometimes authors choose to use the present tense.

Here's the shortest story I ever read:

"Coughin'?
Coffin."

The length of a short story can vary, but generally, it is considered to be a fully developed narrative that focuses on a single event or idea within a limited word count. While there is no specific minimum word count for a short story, many literary competitions or publications require a story to be at least 1,000 to 2,000 words long. However, it's important to note that shorter stories, sometimes known as flash fiction or micro fiction, can contain as few as a few hundred words or even just a single sentence.

Regarding tense, short stories can be written in different tenses, including the past tense, present tense, or even the future tense. The choice of tense depends on the narrative style and the author's artistic decisions. The most common tense used in short stories is the past tense, as it allows for a more traditional storytelling approach. However, present tense and other tenses can be employed to create a specific effect or convey a certain atmosphere. Ultimately, the choice of tense is up to the author and should align with the intended tone and narrative structure of the story.