Here's why:
* Short vowel sounds are typically found in words with one syllable and are often followed by a consonant. They are generally pronounced quickly and with a closed mouth.
* The "a" in "fade" is a long vowel sound. It's pronounced with an open mouth and a longer duration, similar to the "a" in "face" or "fate."
Therefore, "fade" has a long vowel sound, not a short vowel sound.