So I came in blind, expecting supernatural shenanigans or a serial killer confession; instead I got something way more visceral. Excellent job, Somn & Crew.
This reminds me a lot of my dad. He was drafted and had his fair share of stories to tell. Same age as Jack. He quit drinking before I was born. he had the same issues as Jack. Nightmare and a controlled anger issues. It wasn't till a couple of years ago he finally mellowed out. These last two decades were the closest he and I had gotten. Admitted to all his faults and wished he had been better. Always looked at him as this pillar of strength I could never match. These last few years he showed me he and I were more alike than I had ever imagined. He passed away this past May. I miss him a lot.
I empathize my friend. My father shared the same experience in Vietnam and passed not too long ago from Agent Orange exposure. My heart goes out to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss 😢. I’m really glad you were able to mend fences and have a close relationship with your dad before he passed. RIP, Astraea’s dad ❤
Great character, my dad is a Vietnam veteran 1969/1970. He doesn’t talk about it almost ever. My ex gf’s dad was also a vietnam vet, Marine infantry. Reminds me a lot of that character in the story. We went to the memorial wall in Washington DC, he brought a print out sheet of all his buddies he lost all those year ago. Will never forget him over 70 staring at those names whenever we located them for minutes like he was in a different place. At one point I put a hand on his shoulder and all he could say was we were only kids, will never forget it.
Thank you, Ronnie. My late father, my hero, was in Vietnam, survived hell and became a Hall of Fame Olympic Swimming Coach, the best Dad a girl could ask for...only to die at 51 because our government saturated him with Agent Orange. I have been bitter and jaded about it for years. This story brought out every emotion I am capable of yet your delivery and the underlying message of hope moved me in such a positive way that I realized my Dad wouldn't want me to be angry and spiteful. I need to do some soul searching. God works in mysterious ways, doesn't He? You are the best of the best, sir. Much gratitude to you!
I left a reply as well my uncle also died from cancer at 60 from agent orange & im an Aussie we were there beside you & it’s horrible how they treated them in Vietnam at least it’s finally changed around now, but what they went through was hell and the ones like your dad & my uncle who came back & led productive lives & put it behind them were incredible people & then for them to pass away still because of that war is just the cruelest blow of all sorry for your loss & thank your dad for his service they were hero’s! ❤
My uncle is a Vietnam veteran (sniper) and I sent this to him. He says the lesson is humanity and grace. Seeing everyone's point of view, accepting it from others and giving one's self grace and reconnecting with one's humanity as well as seeing it in others; enemy or loved one. He also said, "Damn good job son."
I really liked this. My dad wasn't in Vietnam, he was a firefighter/paramedic in South Africa during the end of apartheid and he was sent into some very horrific places and experienced stuff you only see in nightmares. He eventually had a mental breakdown which meant that my mother of 3 had to arrange us move back to England, where they were born, in just 3 weeks. 40 years later and i still can't bring myself to ask him about what he experienced in case he relapses, but i know he is busting to tell someone. Who knows, maybe I'll just ask him and write it all down.
i love how there isn't a forced ending to this story - they didn't become besties, no miracle 180 on their lives, no dramatic climax and plot twist - but something good did happen. as a result of crossing paths, they each learned something and changed their lives for the better. i just love how real this tale is.
I’m a Marine Vet myself. Demons and monsters are scary, but when YOU are the demon or monster, it’s much more frightening. This was such a great story. Thank you
I normally listen to these stories because I enjoy the supernatural and horror elements, plus you have a great way of narrating and are easy to listen to. I wouldn't normally choose a story like this, but I'm glad I heard it all the same. I'm not in a good place in my life. Not suicidal, but lacking the motivation to wanting to live. Kinda in that dark spot where I'm just letting my life pass me by waiting for it to be over. This wasn't the story I was expecting to hear, but maybe it was the kind I needed to hear. I just want to say thanks.
This story flew by. I could listen to this all day. It really showed the differences between two generations. One stricken with war, and the other without. Jack had some serious shit, but he spilled his heart and guts out, but the MC couldn’t even tell him why his girlfriend went for her co-worker without getting in a tizzy. Everyone wants to hear about someone else’s personal darkness, but deny their own. Awesome narration as usual from you guys!
I agree. I at least could respect someone like Jack for the reasons you said. The MC on the other hand is just a guy fed with do-goodism but without any true experience of what is like to face darkness himself.
This story was absolutely amazing. It made me cry and it’s really captures what veterans have gone through and what they still struggle with. My grandpa went through a lot of similar experiences in Vietnam. Great story!
This was a morbidly beautiful story which was so immersive into how vile people are at their worst. My gawd you can't imagine how brilliant and vivid this story was for me. I'm in awe of how you brought it to life🤯
As a Vet this story as a special place for me. It really brings out the duality of war versus civilian life. It's like they say, nobody loves a warrior until the enemy shows it at the door.
This is a story to remember. My dad always told me, “No matter how bad you think you got it, there’s someone out there who has it worse.” Amazing job again 👏
Yes, self pity gets you nowhere. I also think it's important that there is always someone who has it better. It's ok to be sad or to complain, but to your point, if you are focused on just that you lose what you have.
Tf is this advice?? just because someone has it harder doesnt mean my problems are invalid. Why should i give a shit that someone has it harder? Doesnt solve my Problems at all
Hi! I just got out of the hospital for the 2nd time for suicide, and this story was so unexpected and really encouraging. I’m not a veteran, but I understand PTSD. Trying to heal from trauma leaves me feeling like a monster. This story was wonderful. Thank you 😊
Please Stop doing that. Just live out a long, shitty life like the rest of us. A shitty life is still a life worth living. I'm doing shitty as hell, suffering endlessly....but I ain't giving up. I'm here for the shitty long haul. Hopefully you too 👍
@@societyreborn33 Amen. The greatest words I ever read about life: "Happiness is a mirage on the horizon that moves when you get closer." It's absolutely the truth. Suicide doesn't change that fact. There is beauty in the suffering of life. It is harder to live than to die. We are the survivors.
My prayers and well wishing are with you. I have experience with this issue as well. I have been well and at peace for the last 23 years and so can you.
I remember hearing T.W. Grims stories on another channel before and thought about how awesome the stories are. It's refreshing actually because, to me, Grims writing style is a gift to our dark little corner of the internet. As if 'Grim' wasn't already a perfect title for the author, its their name too.
I kept waiting for this one to turn supernatural, but it never did. I feel like the meaning of the story is one that it states itself. That things aren't black and white. But there's also a healthy dose of "don't let your past define you" and "share the burden". No one can help you if you don't tell someone that there's something wrong. As always, great work and thank you for your videos!
As someone who works as a caregiver to veterans in a skilled nursing facility this story really has touched a spot in my heart. Alot of the Vietnam vets have the same conclusion, " it was a pointless war, we didn't need to be there" many are recovered alcoholics and ex- addicts.
I've known too many people like Jack. "You people think you're so right about how to raise kids, shut up." *goes on to prove exactly why hitting your kids is a bad idea* The last line hit me kinda hard. I've been struggling a lot lately (same story as a lot of horror fans, eh?) and trying to find some kind of point in continuing.
"everybody was hitting their kids, it didn't hurt them permanently" I don't know bro you just told use he died of an overdose, can't think of something more permanent than death
My goodness, I have been gripped through this whole story; what tension, what sorrow, what terrible versions of ourselves we can be. I'm now nowhere near sleeping. I am wide awake in North West England! Thank you for sharing this story, it really resonated with me. Best wishes from Ruth x
I grew up surrounded by veterans, my father, a couple of uncles, fathers of friends, many neighbors,... (I was born in Yugoslavia) and I always admired that most of them remained normal and caring people regardless of the hell they were in . I know some of them who didn't adapt well to life afterwards, I also know some who deliberately did quite bad things, and those who were in paramilitary units, but the vast majority are decent people. I fear that the time is coming when many people will be in that hell again.
Ditto on your last sentence, when Jack was talking about the cycle it really hit me hard seeing how things have been playing out irl lately. I doubt I'd get drafted at my age, but either way I fear things are going to get a lot worse before things get better, if things even can get better.
I did three tours in the Balkans during the peacekeeping missions there in the mid to late 90s with IFOR, SFOR, and KFOR. I still don't quite understand the region. The politics, the ethnic differences and so on. It is all very complicated.
@@travismiles5885 Here is a short version of the history of the Balkans: Almost all people living in the Balkans, except the Greeks, are actually one people. We all know it, but no one will admit it, because it is a "shame" that your great-grandfather changed his religion, or fought on the losing side 100 years ago. For centuries, Austrians and Turks have been at war, and more than half of the armies on both sides were Serbs, Croats, Bulgarians.... We all remember what they did to us, and we hide what we did to them. And so it goes in circles, foreign interests change and we cannot unite, so we fight each other out of habit.
This story is a masterpiece!! It takes the lives of 2 different people and combines them to tell 1 story! The best part of the story is them not knowing one another, but end up helping each other!!
“The past is behind you and the future is out of your reach. The present is where we exist and the perfect time to turn it all around is right now.” What a profound statement. I’ll carry this with me.
As a Marine who just finished their contract I appreciate stories like this. My mom always taught me to appreciate the ones who came before me because without them we wouldn't be here. Vets today are treated a bit nicer than those of old. Especially those who went to Vietnam and Korea.
“The past is behind you” is easier said than acknowledged when your past is terrible nightmare. Psychological torture and physical abuse (though not related to this story) sticks with you and it’s hard to shake. I would know.
Dang. This was a really heavy one. My dad was a violent drunk growing up and beat me regularly. His demons caused him to be one himself. And hurt the ones he did love deep down. I cant forgive him tho. The scars, broken bones and missing teeth are a constant reminder of the horror I went through. I ended up leaving at 16. But before I did I beat him nearly to death. Haven't seen or heard from him or my mother since. Had some tough times after that but I have a great life now. Anyway great story as always DS.
My god this was amazing, sad, depressing, but intriguing all the same. The way you narrated this was incredible as always dark somnium. This story didnt need any monsters or demons they already existed.
I'm late bit just hearing this story has given me the courage to go see my dad after a year. We both argued and haven't seen each other since but hearing this has finally given me the courage to go see him. Thanks love your work and videos
I absolutely loved this story , this author is one of my favourites, I really like a change from the paranormal stuff at times & Grims story’s are so good they could be from real life experiences! My uncle was a Vietnam vet & he got the same homecoming down here in Australia as we’ve been right there beside the US in every conflict & it was exactly the same , kids being sent to a far away place where they didn’t want to be , then ostracised for it! I’m so glad the Vietnam vets are no treated differently, my uncle did 3 tours & stayed in the army for 30 years & left with a great pension & he was able to work as a security guard as well as recurve his pension but the war still caught up with him he passed from throat cancer caused by agent orange, so this story hit home a bit, & your narration was superb , please throw in more stories like this every now and again, most times real life is a lot scarier than the supernatural! Ty again!
This one was a hard listen, my dad used to beat up me and my mom when i was a kid so this was pretty difficult to get through, but I'm glad i did. phenomenal story and voice acting 👏
I worked with a lot of veterans. One in particular was former MP and did 4 tours 2 in Iraq and 2 in Afghanistan, and often I would listen to what he needed to get off his chest. I made a point of letting him know that he had a confident in me at all times. Last thing he told me was “The final 8 days of my last tour in Afghanistan, was when I was most frightened. Waiting to be sent home, he said he couldn’t eat, he couldn’t sleep.” all he did was clean his rifle and pistol. Said the day came when he left he didn’t calm down until he landed in Munich, Germany. Today he’s a police officer in our town and is doing more for his community.
For anyone reading: Phrases like “Get over it” are ones I’d avoid around people with PTSD. It’s not like getting a normal wound, it’s like having a really bad and visible big scar You can recover, sometimes very very well but even after successful therapy you never quite completely remove the scar.
Thank you! That’s one of the reasons I didn’t really like the main character. Trauma can turn people into monsters , and he seemed way more quick to judge Jack then help him like he claimed to be doing. He said that it was good for Jacks soul to get out the trauma, which is true, but then proceeded to judge him on actions Jack regretted doing, even going as far as to ridicule him like a child. When you do that with someone who has trauma you’re just making things worse. Don’t praise them for their negative actions, but there’s no need to grind salt in the wound. Contrary to popular belief, but shame and judgment doesn’t help in healing or changing a person
@@Lady_Coral While I already said my piece on the main character i definitely also agree with yours! I grew incessantly tired of his judgmental attitude! Then he had the audacity to not speak on his own life when Jack called him out on it lol! I get a feeling there was a good reason he got kicked out…
Hey dude, i just wanted to ask if there are any other western crossroads stories and if you could please do so more of the series. I love your content. You're the only creepypasta narrator i watch because i have a very high standard for scary stories.
It’s a hard pill to swallow this one--this, story is heartbreaking and extremely heavy--the horrors of war-abuse of all kinds and the dark side of human history….
A different kind of horror story for sure... and those last lines stuck with me even a couple hours after the story ended. I came back to say this was a realllyyyy good one. Good job author and Som
As a non-confrontational person, this evoked a different type of fear from me, unlike any other fear that the other stories made me feel. I'm the type that would rather ignore confrontations and just resort to a subtle, sometimes petty, kind of response. Be it via words or actions, so this scenario gave me chills not because of the topic but because of the tension.
oh my, this is the earliest Ive ever been. I know of your habit to scroll around comments when the video is new so Ill throw out some words :) This is honestly my favorite channel all over youtube, the stories, the narration, I love it so much. It honestly helps me a TON throughout my days as a neurodivergent person. I can focus on the story and whatever I’m doing besides without my mind going haywire (how do you spell that (I’m not a native speaker)). I’ve listened through so many of your stories as they are basically playing all the time when I’m home, making dinner, crocheting, playing the sims (lol) and even now when I’m working on an art assignment which is pretty important for my art class grade (doing my A-levels). Basically all my friends know of this ‘podcast’ I’m always listening to lol. Through this channel I found my love for narrated stories which honestly help me so, so much. I hope you’re having as much fun managing this channel as I (/we) have, being the community. Even if I’m just a stranger from across the globe, you make this persons day a bit better :) thanks for that
This was genuinely more of a philosophical novelette than anything horror related and i love it. Its insane to me how creepypasta went from a term used for poorly written internet horror by kids to serious amateur (bot not bad) writers trying to get their foot in the door
Loving the story, listening to it while i work. Also i love ypur channel and has inspired me and a friend to start writing a story of our own and try to V.A it. Thanks for all you do!
This is a fabulous story of redemption! Quite different than what I usually listen too. The writer has a gift the ups and downs really pulled me in. I felt like I was sitting in my kitchen just listening to them delve through life. Great positive message about your own future! Thanks for this.
This is one of the most vivid and deep troubling stories I've heard in a long time.. yet I absolutely loved this. One of your finest works of narration and thank you and the crew for this gift. Well done Som!
Being a 19 year old boy in the army this was a Great story and honestly i find myself apologizing for being mean to people i care about much like the old man. Dark Sonium never miss with the narrations man ❤🤘🏾‼️
Nam, the hippies. That was a hell of time. The man who raised me was a veteran. I didn't have a childhood, being raised by a cold blooded killer has a of giving you a different perspective in life.
I’m a Gulf War vet. My father’s a Vietnam vet. His father (now passed) was a D-Day vet. My other grandfather (also passed) was a Korean War vet. Each of us had stories we only shared with each other, other vets, or close friends and family. War isn’t glorious, fun, or righteous. It’s just a sad reality of the human condition. The only good that ever comes of it is when you and your buddies manage to come out of it alive, and maybe some other people’s lives are saved along the way if you have the fortune to be fighting to protect them. Other than that, it’s just toil, pain, loss, and for far too many, death. When you’ve seen that kind of ugliness with your own eyes, you don’t want to see it anymore. Only the foolish or those using them for their own gain think war is worthwhile. Hollywood and video game war is nothing like the real thing. The real thing is so much worse. There’s no do-overs., no rewind button or reloading. If you get killed, you’re dead, end of story. It’s such a simple thing, a small, simple truth. It’s the moment you realize that, truly comprehend that, usually when the bullets are coming your way and the dying starts, that you know nobody should desire war.
I think the message that this story conveys is that no matter how broken you are, no matter how badly you have maltreated others, you still have value and you can still take those bad things and learn from those decisions and mistakes and be a better person. I'm one of those people, who has in the past not treated other people, I am also one who has been severely maltreated. Once I get myself pissed back together my plan is to help other people like me
The message is wrong, though. A man who has beaten his wife, assaulted another woman (likely a minor, too), and killed his own child does not have value. That is a man who has taken more from the world than he could ever pay back. Let's stop with the atrocity apologia.
Ok, I came into this story same as many others…expecting something paranormal or slasher type story but instead got a story that hooked me In and kept me till the end, this is a great story! What a roller coaster
T.W. Grims story’s have a sort of violent realistic vibe to them Even with the ones with things like the new fish its realistic but vile It reminds me of witherow, its vile and horrifying and i love it! I love storys that end with tinges of hope like these ones
Finally heard it. I think a lot of people may resonate in different parts of their story. For me, the first one was that we don't know someone's story. A grouchy neighbour, a bad teacher, a disinterested cashier....we don't know what they went through and what they are living with. It's very very rarely ever about us. There's definitely more to it, but that was my first thought.
This was a great story and a great narration. It’s really easy to judge from afar and it’s also easy to lie to yourself and justify any actions you might otherwise deem to be wrong. In the end, the world isn’t simply black and white… it’s full of evil and darkness, but it’s also full of love and light, and shades of greys and oranges and reds and blues.
Jack having his life entirely uprooted by the draft, changing the course of his life and leading him to the lonely angry man we see feels like such real horror, like i could experience it and end up a similar person
The amount of times i teared up at this story. As a youth, Jack deserved better, his family deserved better, and all of those vets deserved better.....
Man, the way he flip flops between wanting to confess and feeling bad over how he was, to defending himself by saying 'well, me choking out my wife didn't *actually* hurt her, well, me screaming at my son on a daily basis didn't *actually* hurt him' is so fucked up and scary.
damn, i needed a long story at work and was thinking about it all day. come to check again to see this and danced literally lol. i appreciate the stories man
I grew up living with my grandpa. He used to be somewhat like Jack. And I used to be a lot like Ben. He would just yell and yell every day. I would just stare at him. He would shove me sometimes but, he only hit my once, when I was 15. I hit him back, right in the face. It was on and we were about to break into a full on fight. Then, we both stopped. He got that "what the hell am I doing" look on his face and I imagine I did too. From that day foward we started making attempts to fix our relationship and now, 2 years later, I'm proud to say we're both better men. This story made me realize just how bad things could have turned out if we didn't both accept that we had problems and we both needed help. I'm happy that now me and my grandpa are very close and have a much healthier relationship.
I am having a tough time. It's strange that the story is what I needed. I like the positive message of "regardless of how irredeemable you feel, there is still good you can contribute"
gotta say i love ur upload times, its always when i get back from a shitty day of work and just boosts my mood by a million, keep up the good work man, much love
What a great story! It made me think a lot about my own life and the mistakes I’ve made and the people who’ve come and go. As usual you did a great job narrating too! ❤
Just heard the worst news of my life…thank you for this story…it takes my mind off things for a small amount of time. Thank yiu I’m sure the story is amazing!
I lost my father when I was 4 to cancer although a little different please know this... make the most of the time you have left with them and make the best memories with them and let everyone know of how great they are/were
@@Darksomnium thank you…I’m in shock…I know it hasn’t even begun to fully hit me, but in all honesty this community-all the work you do to put out such amazing context is such a comfort to me. So from the bottom of my heart thank yiu! What you do MATTERS a lot and helps so many❤❤❤
I usually fall asleep to stories, but the stories told on this channel have woken me up right as I'm about to fall asleep with the most interesting of twists.
Thank you for this upload, just came back from a early thanksgiving and I’m sick, I’m bored out of my mind scrolling TikTok so this is really refreshing thank you so much, can’t wait for your next story 🙏🏽
Story was awesome as usual. Does seems to amaze me with your narrations I really feel and understand your story a whole lot better thanks Ronnie for all your hard work and dedication to bring us great Story hands down u da man bro 🙌 🙏 ❤
My father... My father wasn't the best father you could hope for. I had a long hearted conversation with him last night. This story kinda reminded me of him. In our conversation, there was laughter, anger, screaming and crying but also, forgiveness. I still carry the things he did to me, but I no longer feel resentment. Guess it's time to start the changes I need to make, huh?
Hey everyone! how was your weekend! let me know what you think of the story!
checkout the authors new project: mybook.to/differentmagic
My weekend was very slow, Thanks for uploading. Now I can do paperwork while listening to your soothing storytelling voice!
Yoo!! Had a great weekend and an even better monday thanks to you!! 🫡 Listening as we speak!
@@CrimzonLizard i hope you enjoy it! have a good day!
yay i hope you like it! @@veggiechip
Pretty good! Got some much needed sleep. Glad you're feeling better man!
So I came in blind, expecting supernatural shenanigans or a serial killer confession; instead I got something way more visceral. Excellent job, Somn & Crew.
Agreed, this was so good!
Same, great story.
My sentiments exactly. He's doing that more and more often on this channel and I absolutely love it.
Excellent story
Same
This reminds me a lot of my dad. He was drafted and had his fair share of stories to tell. Same age as Jack. He quit drinking before I was born. he had the same issues as Jack. Nightmare and a controlled anger issues. It wasn't till a couple of years ago he finally mellowed out. These last two decades were the closest he and I had gotten. Admitted to all his faults and wished he had been better. Always looked at him as this pillar of strength I could never match. These last few years he showed me he and I were more alike than I had ever imagined.
He passed away this past May. I miss him a lot.
I empathize my friend. My father shared the same experience in Vietnam and passed not too long ago from Agent Orange exposure. My heart goes out to you.
Damn, dude... right in the feels. Thank you for sharing.
Much love, so sorry for your loss xxx
Sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss 😢. I’m really glad you were able to mend fences and have a close relationship with your dad before he passed.
RIP, Astraea’s dad ❤
Great character, my dad is a Vietnam veteran 1969/1970. He doesn’t talk about it almost ever. My ex gf’s dad was also a vietnam vet, Marine infantry. Reminds me a lot of that character in the story. We went to the memorial wall in Washington DC, he brought a print out sheet of all his buddies he lost all those year ago. Will never forget him over 70 staring at those names whenever we located them for minutes like he was in a different place. At one point I put a hand on his shoulder and all he could say was we were only kids, will never forget it.
As a vet I really appreciate it. Thank you so much brother.
Thank you for your service
Thanks for your service homes
Thank you for your service
What did Jack say about this combination of 5 words you bafoons
Really don't get why people thank vets for their service. They did their jobs and came home, nothing more.
Thank you, Ronnie. My late father, my hero, was in Vietnam, survived hell and became a Hall of Fame Olympic Swimming Coach, the best Dad a girl could ask for...only to die at 51 because our government saturated him with Agent Orange. I have been bitter and jaded about it for years. This story brought out every emotion I am capable of yet your delivery and the underlying message of hope moved me in such a positive way that I realized my Dad wouldn't want me to be angry and spiteful. I need to do some soul searching. God works in mysterious ways, doesn't He? You are the best of the best, sir. Much gratitude to you!
I left a reply as well my uncle also died from cancer at 60 from agent orange & im an Aussie we were there beside you & it’s horrible how they treated them in Vietnam at least it’s finally changed around now, but what they went through was hell and the ones like your dad & my uncle who came back & led productive lives & put it behind them were incredible people & then for them to pass away still because of that war is just the cruelest blow of all sorry for your loss & thank your dad for his service they were hero’s! ❤
Charlie is pissing on his grave cheers
My uncle is a Vietnam veteran (sniper) and I sent this to him.
He says the lesson is humanity and grace. Seeing everyone's point of view, accepting it from others and giving one's self grace and reconnecting with one's humanity as well as seeing it in others; enemy or loved one.
He also said,
"Damn good job son."
❤❤❤
Cringe comment
@@mot1vat1on
Go be triggered down range sir.
I really liked this.
My dad wasn't in Vietnam, he was a firefighter/paramedic in South Africa during the end of apartheid and he was sent into some very horrific places and experienced stuff you only see in nightmares. He eventually had a mental breakdown which meant that my mother of 3 had to arrange us move back to England, where they were born, in just 3 weeks.
40 years later and i still can't bring myself to ask him about what he experienced in case he relapses, but i know he is busting to tell someone. Who knows, maybe I'll just ask him and write it all down.
i love how there isn't a forced ending to this story - they didn't become besties, no miracle 180 on their lives, no dramatic climax and plot twist - but something good did happen. as a result of crossing paths, they each learned something and changed their lives for the better. i just love how real this tale is.
What do you mean? The old guy quit drinking and started a support group. That's a complete 180 forced ending shoehorned in at the end. Goof.
I don’t think you could have any more spoilers in if you tried!! 😂
I’m a Marine Vet myself. Demons and monsters are scary, but when YOU are the demon or monster, it’s much more frightening. This was such a great story. Thank you
Thank you for your service 🙏 🇺🇸
@@DocBree13you really did not take away anything huh
So true 💯
Stay up, leather neck. From army 19 echo.
@@DocBree13no
24:05 That voice crack and throat clearing was such a good touch, props to the VA
I normally listen to these stories because I enjoy the supernatural and horror elements, plus you have a great way of narrating and are easy to listen to. I wouldn't normally choose a story like this, but I'm glad I heard it all the same. I'm not in a good place in my life. Not suicidal, but lacking the motivation to wanting to live. Kinda in that dark spot where I'm just letting my life pass me by waiting for it to be over.
This wasn't the story I was expecting to hear, but maybe it was the kind I needed to hear. I just want to say thanks.
i understand what that feels like, im glad the story was able to speak to you. :)
Don't give up on yourself. Find just one thing to improve on and focus on that
I can feel this. You are not alone my friend..
Thanks, Bobby. That simple bit of advice is actually profoundly helpful.
I hope you get better soon - please don’t ever give up - I can relate to your struggle, and I know it can get better ❤
This story flew by. I could listen to this all day. It really showed the differences between two generations. One stricken with war, and the other without. Jack had some serious shit, but he spilled his heart and guts out, but the MC couldn’t even tell him why his girlfriend went for her co-worker without getting in a tizzy. Everyone wants to hear about someone else’s personal darkness, but deny their own. Awesome narration as usual from you guys!
I agree.
I at least could respect someone like Jack for the reasons you said. The MC on the other hand is just a guy fed with do-goodism but without any true experience of what is like to face darkness himself.
This story was absolutely amazing. It made me cry and it’s really captures what veterans have gone through and what they still struggle with. My grandpa went through a lot of similar experiences in Vietnam. Great story!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This was a morbidly beautiful story which was so immersive into how vile people are at their worst. My gawd you can't imagine how brilliant and vivid this story was for me. I'm in awe of how you brought it to life🤯
im so glad you enjoyed it!
Damn,dark somnium,some of your stuff makes me cry,damn,I need no movies once your around,damn what a delivery,amazing,you are the BEST bro
Who makes the voice of the neighbor?
As a Vet this story as a special place for me. It really brings out the duality of war versus civilian life. It's like they say, nobody loves a warrior until the enemy shows it at the door.
@@Darksomnium❤hey u forgot to heart it!
This is a story to remember. My dad always told me, “No matter how bad you think you got it, there’s someone out there who has it worse.”
Amazing job again 👏
Yes, self pity gets you nowhere. I also think it's important that there is always someone who has it better. It's ok to be sad or to complain, but to your point, if you are focused on just that you lose what you have.
Tf is this advice?? just because someone has it harder doesnt mean my problems are invalid. Why should i give a shit that someone has it harder? Doesnt solve my Problems at all
Hi! I just got out of the hospital for the 2nd time for suicide, and this story was so unexpected and really encouraging.
I’m not a veteran, but I understand PTSD. Trying to heal from trauma leaves me feeling like a monster. This story was wonderful.
Thank you 😊
Please Stop doing that. Just live out a long, shitty life like the rest of us. A shitty life is still a life worth living. I'm doing shitty as hell, suffering endlessly....but I ain't giving up. I'm here for the shitty long haul. Hopefully you too 👍
@@societyreborn33 Amen. The greatest words I ever read about life: "Happiness is a mirage on the horizon that moves when you get closer." It's absolutely the truth. Suicide doesn't change that fact. There is beauty in the suffering of life. It is harder to live than to die. We are the survivors.
My prayers and well wishing are with you. I have experience with this issue as well. I have been well and at peace for the last 23 years and so can you.
I hope you’re doing well still. For what it’s worth I’m proud of you for every day you keep going. I’m sending you my love. 🤍
I remember hearing T.W. Grims stories on another channel before and thought about how awesome the stories are. It's refreshing actually because, to me, Grims writing style is a gift to our dark little corner of the internet. As if 'Grim' wasn't already a perfect title for the author, its their name too.
T.W Grim is an awesome writer, im glad ive been able to work with them lately!
The Settlement, Uncle Henry's Farm, Bonesaw Vic...T.W. Grim is a genius.
@@NickyGliottaoh i completely missed he was responsible for the settlements
@Darksomnium I think you folks did a fantastic job 👏
@@NickyGliottaThanks for that, but I didn't write The Settlements. That series was written by Dubbed Emotions.
I kept waiting for this one to turn supernatural, but it never did. I feel like the meaning of the story is one that it states itself. That things aren't black and white. But there's also a healthy dose of "don't let your past define you" and "share the burden". No one can help you if you don't tell someone that there's something wrong.
As always, great work and thank you for your videos!
Yeah I agree with your analysis, I'm glad you liked it!
As someone who works as a caregiver to veterans in a skilled nursing facility this story really has touched a spot in my heart. Alot of the Vietnam vets have the same conclusion, " it was a pointless war, we didn't need to be there" many are recovered alcoholics and ex- addicts.
Damn, that was a great story. Not exactly horror but still enthralling none the less. Loved the characters and the entanglement between them.
The mere sight of T.W. Grim's name is enough to send shivers down my spine after "The New Fish."
I've known too many people like Jack. "You people think you're so right about how to raise kids, shut up." *goes on to prove exactly why hitting your kids is a bad idea*
The last line hit me kinda hard. I've been struggling a lot lately (same story as a lot of horror fans, eh?) and trying to find some kind of point in continuing.
"everybody was hitting their kids, it didn't hurt them permanently" I don't know bro you just told use he died of an overdose, can't think of something more permanent than death
Really digging these more grounded stories. I got lost in this one, and the hour flew by.
My goodness, I have been gripped through this whole story; what tension, what sorrow, what terrible versions of ourselves we can be. I'm now nowhere near sleeping. I am wide awake in North West England! Thank you for sharing this story, it really resonated with me. Best wishes from Ruth x
I grew up surrounded by veterans, my father, a couple of uncles, fathers of friends, many neighbors,... (I was born in Yugoslavia) and I always admired that most of them remained normal and caring people regardless of the hell they were in . I know some of them who didn't adapt well to life afterwards, I also know some who deliberately did quite bad things, and those who were in paramilitary units, but the vast majority are decent people.
I fear that the time is coming when many people will be in that hell again.
Me too, my friend...I pray we are wrong.
Ditto on your last sentence, when Jack was talking about the cycle it really hit me hard seeing how things have been playing out irl lately. I doubt I'd get drafted at my age, but either way I fear things are going to get a lot worse before things get better, if things even can get better.
My dad he saw his neigbhur slaguhterd he slept in the woods for weeks
I did three tours in the Balkans during the peacekeeping missions there in the mid to late 90s with IFOR, SFOR, and KFOR. I still don't quite understand the region. The politics, the ethnic differences and so on. It is all very complicated.
@@travismiles5885 Here is a short version of the history of the Balkans:
Almost all people living in the Balkans, except the Greeks, are actually one people. We all know it, but no one will admit it, because it is a "shame" that your great-grandfather changed his religion, or fought on the losing side 100 years ago. For centuries, Austrians and Turks have been at war, and more than half of the armies on both sides were Serbs, Croats, Bulgarians.... We all remember what they did to us, and we hide what we did to them. And so it goes in circles, foreign interests change and we cannot unite, so we fight each other out of habit.
This story is a masterpiece!! It takes the lives of 2 different people and combines them to tell 1 story! The best part of the story is them not knowing one another, but end up helping each other!!
Another feelspasta! You know what? Your voice is just as effective on empathy as it is in terror. Great job!
Your little insomniac
what are some other feelspasta?
@@Max-jp5zu where a story elicits emotion, instead of horror or fear.
“The past is behind you and the future is out of your reach. The present is where we exist and the perfect time to turn it all around is right now.”
What a profound statement. I’ll carry this with me.
As a Marine who just finished their contract I appreciate stories like this. My mom always taught me to appreciate the ones who came before me because without them we wouldn't be here. Vets today are treated a bit nicer than those of old. Especially those who went to Vietnam and Korea.
Very beautifully written. Very emotional and very real
“The past is behind you” is easier said than acknowledged when your past is terrible nightmare. Psychological torture and physical abuse (though not related to this story) sticks with you and it’s hard to shake. I would know.
Dang. This was a really heavy one. My dad was a violent drunk growing up and beat me regularly. His demons caused him to be one himself. And hurt the ones he did love deep down. I cant forgive him tho. The scars, broken bones and missing teeth are a constant reminder of the horror I went through. I ended up leaving at 16. But before I did I beat him nearly to death. Haven't seen or heard from him or my mother since. Had some tough times after that but I have a great life now. Anyway great story as always DS.
I understand. I still love him but I can't forgive him.
I'm glad your life is better now ♡
"It never fails to amaze me how people who have yet to miss a meal criticize people who were starving to death"
My god this was amazing, sad, depressing, but intriguing all the same. The way you narrated this was incredible as always dark somnium. This story didnt need any monsters or demons they already existed.
The raw emotion and how this could actually be a real person's story is so good
I'm late bit just hearing this story has given me the courage to go see my dad after a year. We both argued and haven't seen each other since but hearing this has finally given me the courage to go see him. Thanks love your work and videos
Go and see him! Manage your expectations maybe, but definitely go see him 👍
Thank you for your channel, it never fails that your choice of stories to narrate are of the highest caliber.
ty for coming by to listen :)
I absolutely loved this story , this author is one of my favourites, I really like a change from the paranormal stuff at times & Grims story’s are so good they could be from real life experiences! My uncle was a Vietnam vet & he got the same homecoming down here in Australia as we’ve been right there beside the US in every conflict & it was exactly the same , kids being sent to a far away place where they didn’t want to be , then ostracised for it! I’m so glad the Vietnam vets are no treated differently, my uncle did 3 tours & stayed in the army for 30 years & left with a great pension & he was able to work as a security guard as well as recurve his pension but the war still caught up with him he passed from throat cancer caused by agent orange, so this story hit home a bit, & your narration was superb , please throw in more stories like this every now and again, most times real life is a lot scarier than the supernatural! Ty again!
This one was a hard listen, my dad used to beat up me and my mom when i was a kid so this was pretty difficult to get through, but I'm glad i did. phenomenal story and voice acting 👏
im sorry you had to experience that, im glad you enjoyed the story otherwise :)
I worked with a lot of veterans. One in particular was former MP and did 4 tours 2 in Iraq and 2 in Afghanistan, and often I would listen to what he needed to get off his chest. I made a point of letting him know that he had a confident in me at all times. Last thing he told me was “The final 8 days of my last tour in Afghanistan, was when I was most frightened. Waiting to be sent home, he said he couldn’t eat, he couldn’t sleep.” all he did was clean his rifle and pistol. Said the day came when he left he didn’t calm down until he landed in Munich, Germany. Today he’s a police officer in our town and is doing more for his community.
For anyone reading: Phrases like “Get over it” are ones I’d avoid around people with PTSD. It’s not like getting a normal wound, it’s like having a really bad and visible big scar
You can recover, sometimes very very well but even after successful therapy you never quite completely remove the scar.
Totally agree
For most wounds I don’t believe you ever remove the scar! You just learn to live as positive a life with them…
Does ‘Calm down’ work any better?
Thank you! That’s one of the reasons I didn’t really like the main character. Trauma can turn people into monsters , and he seemed way more quick to judge Jack then help him like he claimed to be doing. He said that it was good for Jacks soul to get out the trauma, which is true, but then proceeded to judge him on actions Jack regretted doing, even going as far as to ridicule him like a child. When you do that with someone who has trauma you’re just making things worse. Don’t praise them for their negative actions, but there’s no need to grind salt in the wound. Contrary to popular belief, but shame and judgment doesn’t help in healing or changing a person
@@Lady_Coral While I already said my piece on the main character i definitely also agree with yours! I grew incessantly tired of his judgmental attitude! Then he had the audacity to not speak on his own life when Jack called him out on it lol! I get a feeling there was a good reason he got kicked out…
Hey dude, i just wanted to ask if there are any other western crossroads stories and if you could please do so more of the series. I love your content. You're the only creepypasta narrator i watch because i have a very high standard for scary stories.
wow thank you so much!
It’s a hard pill to swallow this one--this, story is heartbreaking and extremely heavy--the horrors of war-abuse of all kinds and the dark side of human history….
A different kind of horror story for sure... and those last lines stuck with me even a couple hours after the story ended. I came back to say this was a realllyyyy good one. Good job author and Som
As a non-confrontational person, this evoked a different type of fear from me, unlike any other fear that the other stories made me feel. I'm the type that would rather ignore confrontations and just resort to a subtle, sometimes petty, kind of response. Be it via words or actions, so this scenario gave me chills not because of the topic but because of the tension.
Yeah, I agree. I am also a non-confrontational person and a raging toxic asshole like Jack is my worst nightmare.
Same I was instinctively trying to back out of the conversation as things were getting more and more hostile 😂 the tension was done just right
oh my, this is the earliest Ive ever been. I know of your habit to scroll around comments when the video is new so Ill throw out some words :)
This is honestly my favorite channel all over youtube, the stories, the narration, I love it so much. It honestly helps me a TON throughout my days as a neurodivergent person. I can focus on the story and whatever I’m doing besides without my mind going haywire (how do you spell that (I’m not a native speaker)). I’ve listened through so many of your stories as they are basically playing all the time when I’m home, making dinner, crocheting, playing the sims (lol) and even now when I’m working on an art assignment which is pretty important for my art class grade (doing my A-levels). Basically all my friends know of this ‘podcast’ I’m always listening to lol. Through this channel I found my love for narrated stories which honestly help me so, so much. I hope you’re having as much fun managing this channel as I (/we) have, being the community. Even if I’m just a stranger from across the globe, you make this persons day a bit better :) thanks for that
wow thank you so much, im honored :)
The pacing is relentless, and I love it. It's a relentless descent into darkness, and I can't escape the horror. Well done!
This was genuinely more of a philosophical novelette than anything horror related and i love it. Its insane to me how creepypasta went from a term used for poorly written internet horror by kids to serious amateur (bot not bad) writers trying to get their foot in the door
Loving the story, listening to it while i work. Also i love ypur channel and has inspired me and a friend to start writing a story of our own and try to V.A it. Thanks for all you do!
This is a fabulous story of redemption! Quite different than what I usually listen too. The writer has a gift the ups and downs really pulled me in. I felt like I was sitting in my kitchen just listening to them delve through life. Great positive message about your own future! Thanks for this.
Hey man, really appreciate your work. Your narration keeps me going when life gets difficult. All the best!
This is one of the most vivid and deep troubling stories I've heard in a long time.. yet I absolutely loved this. One of your finest works of narration and thank you and the crew for this gift. Well done Som!
Being a 19 year old boy in the army this was a Great story and honestly i find myself apologizing for being mean to people i care about much like the old man. Dark Sonium never miss with the narrations man ❤🤘🏾‼️
This one I think is my new favourite, it's got the most emotion, it made me cry, so that's a W
Nam, the hippies. That was a hell of time. The man who raised me was a veteran. I didn't have a childhood, being raised by a cold blooded killer has a of giving you a different perspective in life.
I’m a Gulf War vet. My father’s a Vietnam vet. His father (now passed) was a D-Day vet. My other grandfather (also passed) was a Korean War vet. Each of us had stories we only shared with each other, other vets, or close friends and family.
War isn’t glorious, fun, or righteous. It’s just a sad reality of the human condition. The only good that ever comes of it is when you and your buddies manage to come out of it alive, and maybe some other people’s lives are saved along the way if you have the fortune to be fighting to protect them. Other than that, it’s just toil, pain, loss, and for far too many, death. When you’ve seen that kind of ugliness with your own eyes, you don’t want to see it anymore. Only the foolish or those using them for their own gain think war is worthwhile.
Hollywood and video game war is nothing like the real thing. The real thing is so much worse. There’s no do-overs., no rewind button or reloading. If you get killed, you’re dead, end of story. It’s such a simple thing, a small, simple truth. It’s the moment you realize that, truly comprehend that, usually when the bullets are coming your way and the dying starts, that you know nobody should desire war.
I think the message that this story conveys is that no matter how broken you are, no matter how badly you have maltreated others, you still have value and you can still take those bad things and learn from those decisions and mistakes and be a better person. I'm one of those people, who has in the past not treated other people, I am also one who has been severely maltreated. Once I get myself pissed back together my plan is to help other people like me
The message is wrong, though. A man who has beaten his wife, assaulted another woman (likely a minor, too), and killed his own child does not have value. That is a man who has taken more from the world than he could ever pay back. Let's stop with the atrocity apologia.
DAMN!!! This was an amazing story and telling! You outdid yourself! My new favorite Channel🤙🏾
The message at the end of this video, was eerily what I needed to hear this morning. It literally brought chills when I heard it. Thnx
Ok, I came into this story same as many others…expecting something paranormal or slasher type story but instead got a story that hooked me In and kept me till the end, this is a great story! What a roller coaster
T.W. Grims story’s have a sort of violent realistic vibe to them
Even with the ones with things like the new fish its realistic but vile
It reminds me of witherow, its vile and horrifying and i love it!
I love storys that end with tinges of hope like these ones
This is my favorite story. Period. Thank you for narrating. This story made me tear up at work
Who ever wrote this should put this whole story into a movie. I would definitely watch it.
Always a perfect way to start the day! Thanks DS!
Semper fi!
Praise to the author of this story. This is so much more than some creepypasta.
This one by far is my favorite story but the message at the end is so powerful! All we have is right now, the presence. Nothing else matters
Very much adding this to the next thing to listen to once I come home from running errands.
Thank you for putting out quality narrations every time.
Thanks for listening
Finally heard it. I think a lot of people may resonate in different parts of their story.
For me, the first one was that we don't know someone's story. A grouchy neighbour, a bad teacher, a disinterested cashier....we don't know what they went through and what they are living with. It's very very rarely ever about us.
There's definitely more to it, but that was my first thought.
This is such a compelling story. Very real. These dynamics play out in so many families every day.
This was a great story and a great narration. It’s really easy to judge from afar and it’s also easy to lie to yourself and justify any actions you might otherwise deem to be wrong. In the end, the world isn’t simply black and white… it’s full of evil and darkness, but it’s also full of love and light, and shades of greys and oranges and reds and blues.
pov your neighbour reveals his deepest darkest secrets and u drop the hot tea on the internet
u r so real for this ngl
haha xD
This one brought me to tears...in a liberating way. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Jack having his life entirely uprooted by the draft, changing the course of his life and leading him to the lonely angry man we see feels like such real horror, like i could experience it and end up a similar person
That was the deepest one I’ve heard from you, thanks!!!!
The amount of times i teared up at this story. As a youth, Jack deserved better, his family deserved better, and all of those vets deserved better.....
"WAS A Marine." Once a crayon eater always a crayon eater.
Man, the way he flip flops between wanting to confess and feeling bad over how he was, to defending himself by saying 'well, me choking out my wife didn't *actually* hurt her, well, me screaming at my son on a daily basis didn't *actually* hurt him' is so fucked up and scary.
I love stories with more mature themes like this one, and so close to our reality.
damn, i needed a long story at work and was thinking about it all day. come to check again to see this and danced literally lol. i appreciate the stories man
I hope you like it! :)
Wow this story shook me and it really doesn't relate to me personally, but I felt all the emotions. Just wow!
I grew up living with my grandpa. He used to be somewhat like Jack. And I used to be a lot like Ben. He would just yell and yell every day. I would just stare at him. He would shove me sometimes but, he only hit my once, when I was 15. I hit him back, right in the face. It was on and we were about to break into a full on fight. Then, we both stopped. He got that "what the hell am I doing" look on his face and I imagine I did too. From that day foward we started making attempts to fix our relationship and now, 2 years later, I'm proud to say we're both better men. This story made me realize just how bad things could have turned out if we didn't both accept that we had problems and we both needed help. I'm happy that now me and my grandpa are very close and have a much healthier relationship.
Great story. Great narration. Thought provoking. Thank you
This was a damn good narration, Somnium. You and Dusklight did a great job. I like it when the villains aren't some boogeyman, but instead, people.
I am having a tough time. It's strange that the story is what I needed. I like the positive message of "regardless of how irredeemable you feel, there is still good you can contribute"
What a great story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us! Much love from SW Louisiana 😘
Wow! 😢I cried! Great work❤
gotta say i love ur upload times, its always when i get back from a shitty day of work and just boosts my mood by a million, keep up the good work man, much love
glad they can help :)
Hands down one of the best stories you've posted I loved every second of it, great meaning behind it
What a great story! It made me think a lot about my own life and the mistakes I’ve made and the people who’ve come and go. As usual you did a great job narrating too! ❤
LOVED this! Reminded me of my grandpa. Brought back some awesome memories! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Just heard the worst news of my life…thank you for this story…it takes my mind off things for a small amount of time. Thank yiu I’m sure the story is amazing!
oh no, i hope you're okay!
Thank you! My fiancés cancer has spread-they gave him a few months and we just started our life😭
Oh im so sorry to hear that, I cant imagine what you must be going through.
I lost my father when I was 4 to cancer although a little different please know this... make the most of the time you have left with them and make the best memories with them and let everyone know of how great they are/were
@@Darksomnium thank you…I’m in shock…I know it hasn’t even begun to fully hit me, but in all honesty this community-all the work you do to put out such amazing context is such a comfort to me. So from the bottom of my heart thank yiu! What you do MATTERS a lot and helps so many❤❤❤
I usually fall asleep to stories, but the stories told on this channel have woken me up right as I'm about to fall asleep with the most interesting of twists.
Thank you for this upload, just came back from a early thanksgiving and I’m sick, I’m bored out of my mind scrolling TikTok so this is really refreshing thank you so much, can’t wait for your next story 🙏🏽
oh dang i hope you feel better soon!
Hands down grims best story
Story was awesome as usual. Does seems to amaze me with your narrations I really feel and understand your story a whole lot better thanks Ronnie for all your hard work and dedication to bring us great Story hands down u da man bro 🙌 🙏 ❤
Awesome story with a positive message at the end. Great job!❤
Thank you so much!
A great story about a war that scarred a generation. Great storytelling.
My father... My father wasn't the best father you could hope for. I had a long hearted conversation with him last night. This story kinda reminded me of him. In our conversation, there was laughter, anger, screaming and crying but also, forgiveness. I still carry the things he did to me, but I no longer feel resentment. Guess it's time to start the changes I need to make, huh?
You and @mrcreepypasta did a beautiful narration of this heartbreaking story dude
This feels like it could easily be adapted to film.