Why mince words? Beautiful Ruins is an absolute masterpiece.
People in small towns, much more than in cities, share a destiny.
A short story is something that I think can be intuited and envisioned and held in your mind almost at once.
At the risk of appearing disingenuous, I don't really think of myself as 'writing humor.' I'm simply reporting on the world I observe, which is frequently hilarious.
Ultimately, your theme will find you. You don't have to go looking for it.
...aware, as always, that the truth isn't much of substitute for a good answer.