I loved it. It seems like a long time since I witnessed anyone yield anything out of the courtesy we were taught and expected to use. When work was finished with me, 10 years ahead of my schedule, I consoled myself by vowing never to be in a hurry again. I routinely let anyone who is still working precede me in check out lines and at stop signs etc, not to gratify my personal ego but to remind myself how grateful I am no longer to be working, or worse, looking for work. I found myself a few dollars short at the grocery. It was busy, so I had people behind me. I was embarrassed to say the least and began quickly to sort out unnecessary items when three people gave me money so I wouldn't have to do without. Not one of those tired, stressed, financially struggling people in line was rude or impatient about my holding up the line and being broke to boot. It can still happen! People can rise up and be kind. The inflationary mess we're in here (in the US and I guess the world) is enough to make a saint chew horse shoes and spit out nails. However, we just might make it to the next thing. Great story. Thanks. ❤
Thank you, Shelley - I am sorry to hear you have found yourself in such difficulties. I fear many of us suffer many reversals throughout our lifetimes - financially and in other circumstances too... At times life can seem a little like running the gauntlet of trials and simply trying to survive! I wish you well.
What a wonderful short story. I was anticipating that the traveller would be interviewing him. His kindness towards the old woman at the end was a redeeming quality, which was brought on by humility. I loved the way you described her life journey, and the way men would have treated her when she was a young woman. Thank you for this delightful story.
I love listening to these. I put them on at night, settle down and enjoy, next thing I know i'm asleep. Your voice has this hypnotic quality. You should list these under 'unintentional ASMR'
I guessed the fact that the Weasley man was going to be his interviewer and although off topic it’s an incredibly important point for people today. When going to an interview it’s important that you’re nice and courteous to everyone you meet on your way to that interview because you never know who you’re going to meet from the company you want to work for !! It’s essential that you’re kind and courteous to the people working for that company including the receptionist, cleaner and lift operator if they have one, because companies actually ASK their employees about their interactions with you and if they’re negative then you can forget that job before the interview even starts….
A great story, Mark. I love your full description of the characters & the surroundings. I’m glad you mentioned this new channel on They Got Away With Murder yesterday, and I’ve subscribed to it. A new short story every month too, you are spoiling us Mark!
Thanks very much, Anne - I wasn't sure whether to mention it. I fully appreciate that people who are interested in True Crime may not have an interest in short stories! I am glad that you do!
I had an idea for a short story once. 1950's New York. A grumpy man who had worked at a desk for an insurance company for many years gets demoted (because of his advancing age) by sending him to Omaha to do door-to-door sales. He gets a house but it has a terrible rat infestation. He also finds out he's in the tornado area of the midwest. He didn't know anything about tornados. So while trying everything to get rid of the rats (they didn't seem like New York rats that stayed in the sewers and alleyways) but seemed to look at him "like they knew" and avoided everything he tried to do to get rid of them. In the meantime he's also so worried about tornados that he finally has the idea to rig up handcuffs for his hands and feet in the basement and a comfortable mattress to sit on where he could lock himself to the wall to avoid being sucked out of the house. So eventually a tornado is coming, he runs to the basement and locks himself in. A couple weeks later when he hadn't checked in with the home office, the police go to his house to check on him. They found his eaten and mulitated remains and rats all around him (were they smiling?). The punchline was he had forgotten the keys to the handcuffs. I would love to hear you make that into one of your unique stories. Subbed. 👍
I'm so glad to find you have another channel! Short stories, True crime essays, frankly you could narrate the phone book and I would find it comforting.
The joy of having you interpret your own story is hard to describe. The listener may suspect an outcome at some juncture but the dénouement surpasses expectations. Thank you!
A delightful lesson in humility, and an excellent reminder that you never know when a stranger might unexpectedly turn up in your life. It's wise to be as polite as possible, as often as possible. Many thanks for sharing this well-crafted story.
To hear a story about an unpleasant person on public transport get his just desserts - ah, catharsis. Hopefully the ending of lessons learned is not too optimistic
Wow! Your narrative described many of my working days and colleagues. I so recognise the type - many an older civil servant of the post war generation. Only the reference to tmobile phones made my mind leave Britain of the 1950s.Sublime Mark, cannot wait for your next one. Thank you.
Wonderful story. Great observation of the british rail dramas and characters (not to mention office and school politics!) we all recognise - written with wonderful humour!! I think you are definitely going to get many more than 1 like!!
BRAVO!!! Mark, the visual imagery that appeared from your descriptive wording and wonderful reading was brilliant! Honestly, it was like I was watching a movie in my mind's eye. I enjoyed the very clever story immensely and am greatly looking forward to your next book! ~Danyel
Great fun! Complete with witty turns of phrase and the usual insight into what it is to be human. Love "the seat of ignominy" and many other funny lines. Brilliant ending. These are going to become my favourite bed time stories, I'm sure. Excellent work, thank you so much for all your hard work, as usual, to bring us free entertainment.
I check daily just in case I’ve somehow missed an all-important MJM post, so what a treat to find this new venture from you! Love the story and, as always, your superb narration! Thank you, Mark!
Until I watched your recent Vera Page story on TGAWM channel, I wasn't aware that you had created this channel. Despite the fact I was aware from an early stage where the story was heading, it was told in an engaging way, and had a feel of stories from 'Tales of the Unexpected'. Your use of diction, and eloquent phrases are a joy. My personal favourite occurs towards the end, "somewhere far off, in an orderly world, where rubbers were jealously guarded, and pencils kept sharpened to a perfect point". Superb! These give colour to scenes and the characters that many modern stories do not. I look forward to the other 11 stories.
After 3 mins. I just knew what was coming! Excellent story - and a lesson for all of us, always to behave in the right way. Looking forward to the next story (and, yes, I have clicked the "subscribe" 😉button ).
Having listened to your story, I am a little less bruised for not knowing until today about your new channel. You are such a gift. Filled to overflowing with talent. I consider myself very honored to share in it with everyone. Your ending was brilliant. I'm not positive what exactly I expected. Perhaps the trick will be to expect anything. I loved it. P. S. I've created a file for all of your stories. It will be interesting to see how long yt let's me keep the older ones.
Liked, commented, subscribed, hit the 'notification' bell. All that was needed to do all that was see your name and new channel! What a lovely prezzie for all of us.
Great story, superb detail...I was sat on that train and in that office quietly chuckling to myself at the unfolding events before me and finally looking at the dear old lady...wonderful narration...look forward to your next tale when ready 📚.
So glad your doing these short stories ..always love your eloquent voice and what a great story! just wonderful ! .. and I am looking forward to the next one so Thankyou Mark 😊
I've actually had an experience like that with a reserved ticket on the train, although there weren't any other seats available and it occurred with two passengers, each a stranger to each other and one being particularly obnoxious. We had to find a guard in the end. I could really identify with the characters and situations. Great narration as usual. Thank you.
Thank you very much - yes, I was a long time a commuter on crowded trains in and out of London, and have had a great many experiences of all kinds on trains over the years...
I can't believe we have two Mark's channels now! My favourite ones, no doubt. As many people said before, I could listen to you reading the phone book and I'd be delighted! Best regards from Brazil.
I subscribed last night as soon as I heard you had a second channel, knowing I'd enjoy it whatever you decided to produce & I haven't been disappointed. 😊 You are such a good storyteller, I sometimes wait before listening because I hate waiting for a new video...yet at the same time, I know if they came too frequently, they wouldn't be such good quality! *Must practise patience. 😅
Thank you very much, Helene - I did consider doing drawings but realized I would leave myself in the position of having to do a great many drawings to accompany the narration. Therein lies madness!
Sign of a great story though that though the twist was visible at first the story was so well crafted and written with such great humour and observation that it in no way spoiled the story one jot!!
@@ShortStoriesforDarkNights your are welcome! My husband and I are big fans we patiently awaiting your videos! I have to say before you I was obsessed with Stephen Fry narrating novels especially the Oscar Wilde stories. I would love to hear you read the importance of being earnest!
Mark, thank you for blessing us with your wonderful gifts! 😊
Ah thank you, Caroline - it is my pleasure, always!
Thanks *Mark* for this playlist👍👍👍👍👍
I loved it. It seems like a long time since I witnessed anyone yield anything out of the courtesy we were taught and expected to use.
When work was finished with me, 10 years ahead of my schedule, I consoled myself by vowing never to be in a hurry again. I routinely let anyone who is still working precede me in check out lines and at stop signs etc, not to gratify my personal ego but to remind myself how grateful I am no longer to be working, or worse, looking for work.
I found myself a few dollars short at the grocery. It was busy, so I had people behind me. I was embarrassed to say the least and began quickly to sort out unnecessary items when three people gave me money so I wouldn't have to do without.
Not one of those tired, stressed, financially struggling people in line was rude or impatient about my holding up the line and being broke to boot.
It can still happen! People can rise up and be kind. The inflationary mess we're in here (in the US and I guess the world) is enough to make a saint chew horse shoes and spit out nails. However, we just might make it to the next thing. Great story. Thanks. ❤
Thank you, Shelley - I am sorry to hear you have found yourself in such difficulties. I fear many of us suffer many reversals throughout our lifetimes - financially and in other circumstances too... At times life can seem a little like running the gauntlet of trials and simply trying to survive! I wish you well.
Lovely story, Shelley. Yes, people can still be randomly kind and helpful to strangers - despite what the media would have us think! :)
You are not only a great writer but a great narrator as well. Thank you so much for sharing with us .
Thank you very much, Jen!
What a wonderful short story. I was anticipating that the traveller would be interviewing him. His kindness towards the old woman at the end was a redeeming quality, which was brought on by humility. I loved the way you described her life journey, and the way men would have treated her when she was a young woman. Thank you for this delightful story.
You are most welcome - and thank you very much!
The smooth black jacket nicely complements the polished accent and writing.
Why thank you!
I love listening to these. I put them on at night, settle down and enjoy, next thing I know i'm asleep. Your voice has this hypnotic quality. You should list these under 'unintentional ASMR'
"ASMR" - someone mentioned this in a comment on They Got Away With Murder, I recall. I had to look it up - try 10 minutes at a time, perhaps?
Love a little bit of redemption at the end.
Thank you - I am glad you appreciated that!
It is an honor to share space with you ... Have a lovely day ...
How kind of you - thank you so much!
Thank you!
You're welcome!
I guessed the fact that the Weasley man was going to be his interviewer and although off topic it’s an incredibly important point for people today. When going to an interview it’s important that you’re nice and courteous to everyone you meet on your way to that interview because you never know who you’re going to meet from the company you want to work for !! It’s essential that you’re kind and courteous to the people working for that company including the receptionist, cleaner and lift operator if they have one, because companies actually ASK their employees about their interactions with you and if they’re negative then you can forget that job before the interview even starts….
Marvelous! I do like the way he redeems himself, at least a little, at the end
Thanks Merla!
Absolutely the best in all respects.
Ah thank you very much, James - you are most kind!
Marvelous. How good to hear a modern tale with a moral. Thankyou so much
Thank you very much Annie - glad you enjoyed it!
All ways glad to listen to u❤
Many thanks, Eunice!
This was a wonderful short story and superb narration by a master story teller. I am completely charmed and captivated, Mark!
Thank you very much, Madonna - my first comment! :)
Awesome...both of your channels are GREAT....thank you Mark🙏🏻🤜🏻💥🤛🏻
Glad you like them - thank you!
That is a lovely, humble but utterly satisfying story. Can’t wait for the other 11.
Very many thanks, Emma - I have one at the ready and hope you will enjoy that one also!
A great story, Mark. I love your full description of the characters & the surroundings. I’m glad you mentioned this new channel on They Got Away With Murder yesterday, and I’ve subscribed to it. A new short story every month too, you are spoiling us Mark!
Thanks very much, Anne - I wasn't sure whether to mention it. I fully appreciate that people who are interested in True Crime may not have an interest in short stories! I am glad that you do!
Excellent. I anticipated the ending, but not the final ending. Well done!
Thank you, Mary!
I had an idea for a short story once. 1950's New York. A grumpy man who had worked at a desk for an insurance company for many years gets demoted (because of his advancing age) by sending him to Omaha to do door-to-door sales. He gets a house but it has a terrible rat infestation. He also finds out he's in the tornado area of the midwest. He didn't know anything about tornados. So while trying everything to get rid of the rats (they didn't seem like New York rats that stayed in the sewers and alleyways) but seemed to look at him "like they knew" and avoided everything he tried to do to get rid of them. In the meantime he's also so worried about tornados that he finally has the idea to rig up handcuffs for his hands and feet in the basement and a comfortable mattress to sit on where he could lock himself to the wall to avoid being sucked out of the house. So eventually a tornado is coming, he runs to the basement and locks himself in. A couple weeks later when he hadn't checked in with the home office, the police go to his house to check on him. They found his eaten and mulitated remains and rats all around him (were they smiling?). The punchline was he had forgotten the keys to the handcuffs. I would love to hear you make that into one of your unique stories.
Subbed. 👍
Thank you, Leslie - I have a particularly loathing of rats! An interesting story, though...
I'm so glad to find you have another channel! Short stories, True crime essays, frankly you could narrate the phone book and I would find it comforting.
How kind of you to say so, Charlotte - thank you!
I had a feelings the I old man was his new boss❤
The joy of having you interpret your own story is hard to describe. The listener may suspect an outcome at some juncture but the dénouement surpasses expectations. Thank you!
A delightful lesson in humility, and an excellent reminder that you never know when a stranger might unexpectedly turn up in your life. It's wise to be as polite as possible, as often as possible. Many thanks for sharing this well-crafted story.
Many thanks indeed - I am glad you enjoyed it!
To hear a story about an unpleasant person on public transport get his just desserts - ah, catharsis. Hopefully the ending of lessons learned is not too optimistic
Wow! Your narrative described many of my working days and colleagues. I so recognise the type - many an older civil servant of the post war generation. Only the reference to tmobile phones made my mind leave Britain of the 1950s.Sublime Mark, cannot wait for your next one. Thank you.
Thank you very much - so glad you enjoyed it!
Wonderful story. Great observation of the british rail dramas and characters (not to mention office and school politics!) we all recognise - written with wonderful humour!! I think you are definitely going to get many more than 1 like!!
Thank you kindly!
I'm so excited for this channel! Thank you so much. Your voice is truly one that I'll always recognize and never forget!
Ah - you are very kind indeed to say so - thank you!
Thank you for your work 🙏
Thank you very much, Kathleen!
BRAVO!!! Mark, the visual imagery that appeared from your descriptive wording and wonderful reading was brilliant! Honestly, it was like I was watching a movie in my mind's eye. I enjoyed the very clever story immensely and am greatly looking forward to your next book! ~Danyel
Thank you very much, Danyel - I am so pleased that you liked it!
Just discovered this new page. What a treat. Guess he didn’t get the job then ! 😁
Thank you, Sandra!
Fully enjoyed listening to the very first short story and already can not wait to the next one. Cheers!
Many thanks indeed!
Great fun! Complete with witty turns of phrase and the usual insight into what it is to be human. Love "the seat of ignominy" and many other funny lines. Brilliant ending. These are going to become my favourite bed time stories, I'm sure. Excellent work, thank you so much for all your hard work, as usual, to bring us free entertainment.
Thanks very much, Mel - and for all your help and advice! :)
Hmm...wife or daughter. 😊
@@moondancer4660 Sister! :)
Here I am, such a pleasure to hear your story!
I am delighted - thank you!
So glad you have opened up anther channel telling short stories you have a real gift for telling stories.
Thank you, Linda - I have had it in mind for a while and have finally got round to it!
I check daily just in case I’ve somehow missed an all-important MJM post, so what a treat to find this new venture from you! Love the story and, as always, your superb narration! Thank you, Mark!
Wonderful! Thank you very much, Margaret! I will be posting a new crime documentary on Tgawm later today, also!
@@ShortStoriesforDarkNights Perfect!! Pouring rain today here in central VA - ideal conditions for a new episode from you, Mark! Thank you.
Until I watched your recent Vera Page story on TGAWM channel, I wasn't aware that you had created this channel.
Despite the fact I was aware from an early stage where the story was heading, it was told in an engaging way, and had a feel of stories from 'Tales of the Unexpected'.
Your use of diction, and eloquent phrases are a joy. My personal favourite occurs towards the end, "somewhere far off, in an orderly world, where rubbers were jealously guarded, and pencils kept sharpened to a perfect point". Superb! These give colour to scenes and the characters that many modern stories do not. I look forward to the other 11 stories.
Thank you very much - I am so glad to have met with the approval of many of those who have enjoyed the TGAWM documentaries!
you’re immensely talented
How kind you are to say so - thank you!
TY Mark , excellent ,enjoyed as always ! greetings from the dutch alps ! x , S
Glad you enjoyed it, Stevie! It's very nice to see you have found my new channel! Take care at that altitude! ;)
Another subscriber from your #1 fan! So excited thanks for a new video!
Thank you and welcome, Cay - so glad you found this! :)
Great stories. Love listening to them.
Glad you like them - thank you, Minna.
I think I’m the 10th subscriber! I’m always excited any time you post on your other channel, so I’m glad you’ve started this channel, as well. 😸
Thank you very much, Gigi - I shall continue with the TGAWM channel also! :)
After 3 mins. I just knew what was coming! Excellent story - and a lesson for all of us, always to behave in the right way. Looking forward to the next story (and, yes, I have clicked the "subscribe" 😉button ).
Thank you very much, John - I am delighted you liked it!
Had an O. Henry quality. You're very talented, Mark.
On to the next!
Praise indeed - thank you!
Having listened to your story, I am a little less bruised for not knowing until today about your new channel.
You are such a gift. Filled to overflowing with talent. I consider myself very honored to share in it with everyone.
Your ending was brilliant. I'm not positive what exactly I expected. Perhaps the trick will be to expect anything. I loved it.
P. S. I've created a file for all of your stories. It will be interesting to see how long yt let's me keep the older ones.
Thank you so much, Barbara! You are very kind indeed!
A most wonderful tale. Thank you Mark.
Thank you very much, Jill - I'm delighted it meets with your approval!
Great story brilliantly told as always
Many thanks, Siegfried - so glad you liked it.
you are so good
Thank you very much - so glad you liked it!
A good story, a fabulous story teller! Listening to you is a great escape, thank you !
Thank you very much indeed, Karen!
I so enjoy your stories and your voice. Gratitude 🎉
Thank you so much, Jude!
Liked, commented, subscribed, hit the 'notification' bell. All that was needed to do all that was see your name and new channel! What a lovely prezzie for all of us.
Thank you very much indeed - I am delighted you liked it!
Heartstrings humming, thank you, Mr. Mark. More, please.
Thank you, Grace - coming right up!
Heaven! More Mark. so good.
Many thanks!
Delicious! Instant Karma. I’m totally hooked and look forward to the next one. Thank you so much.
More to come - thank you, Sue!
Great Story ! Thank you 👏👏👏
I'm glad you liked it - thank you!
Very nice. Reminded me of Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter. Looking forward to the next 11 and hopefully more.
Thank you - I am sure there will be more than 12 if people continue to enjoy them - and they do seem to be thus far!
Great story, superb detail...I was sat on that train and in that office quietly chuckling to myself at the unfolding events before me and finally looking at the dear old lady...wonderful narration...look forward to your next tale when ready 📚.
That is perfect - thank you!
What a thoroughly satisfying story! I happily look forward to the next!
Thank you - it will be posted any moment now!
I love these short stories! Thankyou. Please keep em coming 🙏🏼
Thank you very much, Cherry!
So glad your doing these short stories ..always love your eloquent voice and what a great story! just wonderful ! .. and I am looking forward to the next one so Thankyou Mark 😊
Thank you so much - I am delighted you enjoyed it!
This was so funny, I really enjoyed it.
I`m sure these stories will be as successful as Tgawm.
That would be nice - thank you, Margaret!
I've actually had an experience like that with a reserved ticket on the train, although there weren't any other seats available and it occurred with two passengers, each a stranger to each other and one being particularly obnoxious. We had to find a guard in the end. I could really identify with the characters and situations. Great narration as usual. Thank you.
Thank you very much - yes, I was a long time a commuter on crowded trains in and out of London, and have had a great many experiences of all kinds on trains over the years...
Ah, Society rules out over the individual-- but I still want to throttle all priggish eraser keepers.
Superb Mark. Many thanks indeed.
Glad you enjoyed it, Andrew - many thanks indeed.
Excellent look forward to the next one
Glad you enjoyed it, Neil - the next one is ready to go. Thank you!
So so pleased to find this. You are a master storyteller.Thank you, and I await the next story impatiently!
Thank you very much indeed, Teresa - I am so glad you liked it. Another one is now ready!
I just found these.,, I know I’m late but I love them. The 1st one I actually guessed at the end. 😊
It was still a great story. Thank you Sir Mark 🎉
And it didn’t take away anything from your story. Winning 🎉
You are very kind - thank you, Susan!
Congrats on your new channel!🎉
Thank you!!
Just discovered you had this channel MORE MARK MORE
Thank you! I have another to go tonight. :)
0:30 what a sophisticated way of reminding us to like and subscribe. 😀
It’s done sir.
Thank you very much, Janette!
I can't believe we have two Mark's channels now! My favourite ones, no doubt. As many people said before, I could listen to you reading the phone book and I'd be delighted! Best regards from Brazil.
Thank you very much indeed, Cristina - that is very nice to know!
Loved the story ,brought lots of smiles and laughs to my face
Thank you very much, Frances.
I subscribed last night as soon as I heard you had a second channel, knowing I'd enjoy it whatever you decided to produce & I haven't been disappointed. 😊
You are such a good storyteller, I sometimes wait before listening because I hate waiting for a new video...yet at the same time, I know if they came too frequently, they wouldn't be such good quality! *Must practise patience. 😅
Thank you very much indeed - how nice it is to receive such positive feedback!
I'm blessed i guess to be in on 1st story n subscriber 👍 looking forward to more 'anything British n mysteries'
Many thanks indeed - I will continue with both channels, I assure you!
I’m hooked! Definitely looking forward to more stories! 😊
That is nice to hear - thank you very much! Coming right up.
I enjoyed this story and am glad to have discovered your excellent channel. Best wishes! 🇨🇦
Hello fellow Canuck!
Many thanks, Ellie-Mae! All the best to you also.
Thank you...Thank you ☺️
You are so welcome - thank you, Evelyn! :)
Mark, you really know how to tell a story 😊
Thank you very much, Terri!
I miss the drawings but I enjoyed the narration once again, thank you.
Thank you very much, Helene - I did consider doing drawings but realized I would leave myself in the position of having to do a great many drawings to accompany the narration. Therein lies madness!
I just found out about your new channel from your post on Facebook!
That's wonderful - it is a new venture for me and I am excited about it!
Beautifully detailed story, Mark....but I guessed the denouement way back at the beginning of the confrontation on the train !!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sign of a great story though that though the twist was visible at first the story was so well crafted and written with such great humour and observation that it in no way spoiled the story one jot!!
@@zombiechicken7114 Good point !
Great great stories u tell them so well i enjoy them
Thanks for listening, Jocelyn - so glad you like them.
Excellent first story mark, and perfectly told.
Thank you kindly, Shaun!
You are very welcome mark, looking forward to the next story.
Awesome 👌 👏
Thank you!
That was a real treat. Well done.
Thank you!
Subscribed right away!!
I really need for you to get your own mainstream tv show. You are too wonderful to be confined to TH-cam.
That is very generous of you - thank you!
@@ShortStoriesforDarkNights your are welcome! My husband and I are big fans we patiently awaiting your videos! I have to say before you I was obsessed with Stephen Fry narrating novels especially the Oscar Wilde stories. I would love to hear you read the importance of being earnest!
Thanks Mark. I enjoyed that. Looking forward to the next one!
Glad you enjoyed it - the next one is ready. Thank you!
Excellent! Your writing puts me in mind of J B Priestley.
A very nice compliment - thank you!
Love the short story. Looking forward to the next one.
Glad you enjoyed it, Cindy - another to appear very soon. Thank you!
Wonderful story!⚘️
Thank you very much!
@@ShortStoriesforDarkNights I can't wait for another one! Have a wonderful day⚘️
This is a great idea, Mark.
Thank you!
Thank you😊
Thank you, too!
Thank you so much!!! I truly enjoy your work!
You are very welcome indeed - thank you!
Loved this story we can all relate to❤
Thank you, Barbara - indeed.
Thank you just subscribed, only learned today you had another channel ❤❤
Thank you, Agnes - it is only 1 story and 3 weeks old!
Maestro! Story-teller supreme. Love it ❤️
Ah - thank you very much!
Nice one Mark, subscribed to your new channel, keep them coming.
I will John - many thanks!
Can't wait for the next one. Many thanks, would have watched earlier only found out when you mentioned it on your other channel.
Thank you very much - the next one is coming up any time this evening.