▶ Watch on YouTubeThe Mouse
A tiny visitor. A very urgent call for Bartek.
A Polish guy. A British girl. An opening line that could have gone either way.
Start with a drink. Stay for the dry humour, questionable portions and affectionate arguments.
▶ Watch on YouTubeA tiny visitor. A very urgent call for Bartek.
▶ Watch on YouTubeOne night away. Two very different ideas of packing light.
▶ Watch on YouTubeHer emergency chocolate. His very questionable emergency.
▶ Watch on YouTubeHe had an excuse. She found the real problem.
▶ Watch on YouTubeA Guinness, a little courage, and absolutely no guarantee this would go well.
▶ Watch on YouTubeHis competition? A mug that never leaves socks on the floor.
▶ Watch on YouTubeHe asked about hugs. She explained the pricing.
▶ Watch on YouTube“Lovely. When are the other six people arriving?”
A contemporary romantic-comedy story set in the North East of England. Bartek and Emily have their own lives, their own opinions, and a talent for making ordinary moments interesting.
These short scenes are a way into their world: everyday awkwardness, a little tenderness, and the kind of teasing that says more than a perfect speech.
The Polish halfA quiet, independent Pole who has lived in the UK for years. By day, he works in a warehouse; after hours, he makes games and activity books, hoping to build something of his own. Technology, Linux and classic RPGs are firmly his territory. New people take a little more courage. Around those he trusts, though, his unpredictable humour comes out — and Emily learns that drinking tea near him can be a risky business. He cooks, too. His pancakes have occasionally aimed higher than intended.
The British halfWarm, independent and from the North East of England, Emily has a mind of her own and a wonderfully dry sense of humour. She coordinates tech support and has ambitions beyond her current role. Off duty, expect band T-shirts, rock and metal, horror films and a game when the mood takes her. She notices more than she lets on, enjoys affectionate teasing, and gives as good as she gets. A kind gesture might come with a sharp remark. The good mug is still a good sign.
Fictional characters. AI-generated visuals and voices. Promotional sketches may reimagine moments from the story.
Watch the shorts and follow Bartek and Emily wherever you feel at home.
I’m Marek, the creator of Worth the Risk. If these two have made you smile, you can support my work with a one-off tip. No subscription. Just a coffee and a thank you.