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In my native subcontinental literature, there is a notion that one of the identifying features of short stories is, it must end without a conclusion. The reader is left guessing. That is, the reader can assume anything to be the conclusion.
Is it same in English literature?
A short story can, and often does, have a simple point to make. Sometimes, though, it leaves things open on purpose because it is intended to make you think and consider - and in so doing reconsider your own assumptions.
Some examples from my own favorites:
The point is to make a (horrible) pun, as in "Shah Guido G." (Isaac Asimov)
The point is to express an opinion of the (collective) behaviour of people as in "Silly Asses" (Isaac Asimov)
Make you look at things from a new perspective as in "Exile to Hell" (Isaac Asimov)
Reconsider right and wrong as in "Scanners Live in Vain" (Cordwainer Smith)
As you can see, a short story can end unresolved and leave it to your imagination - but it can also have a definite point and end that it wants to bring you to.
