They

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The “Dear J” Letters by authors Jill Yoder and Julie Kusma

THEY, PART 1

An excerpt from They, Part 1 by Jill Yoder

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Dear J,

I should have left this town when you asked me. It has been two months since I received a letter from you, and I’m starting to worry. I wonder, though, if things are the same where you are because strange things are happening here.

Since David disappeared last January, others are mysteriously disappearing. David and I were ending our yearlong relationship, but I’m still worried about him.

Do you remember my next-door neighbors, the Johnsons? They lived in the apartment to the left of me. Mrs. Johnson knocked on my door last week, asking me if I had seen her husband. I could only tell her I hadn’t. When I saw her in the laundry room on Wednesday, she mentioned the strangest thing. She said, “I hope they didn’t take him too.” Who are THEY?

TO CONTINUE READING PART ONE BY JILL YODER CLICK HERE

THEY, PART 2

An excerpt from They, Part 2 by Julie Kusma

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Dear Janelle, 

I suppose I owe you an apology for my absence these past few months. You won’t like this, but my work is all-consuming. I am pleased to learn you are well, albeit rattled by the local climate. Nonetheless, you are well. 

David’s disappearance startled us all, but as you pointed out, your relationship had ended despite this unfortunate event. I hoped you would have found a way to move on from such an unsavory man, but often one cannot make rhyme or reason of the heart. Surely, he is alive and attempting his scam on another unsuspecting woman. One more willing to acquiesce to his ridiculous demands than you. 

TO CONTINUE READING PART TWO BY JULIE KUSMA CLICK HERE

THEY, PART 3

An excerpt from They, Part 3 by Jill Yoder

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Dear Jocelyne, 

I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I am to read your letter. First, I want to say you are correct about David. I saw him at the grocery store with a young twenty-something woman. He didn’t see me because I left immediately. I am glad he’s not my problem anymore.

Professor Kenneth Peterson, one of my former professors, called me last night. He taught Science and Technology for years before retiring two years ago. We keep in touch often. I asked him to tell me his thoughts on the disappearances, but he wouldn’t discuss the subject at his home. 

TO CONTINUE READING PART ONE BY JILL YODER CLICK HERE

THEY, PART 4

An excerpt from They, Part 4 by Julie Kusma

To listen to an audio version of this letter CLICK HERE

Dear Janelle,

I should be infuriated with you for going out on your own, but I suppose I knew that was exactly what you would do. I asked you to leave your beloved town and Convenium Park months ago. You refused. Why would I believe you would listen to me now? 

Might I also remind you, I warned you not to trust anyone? Yet you went to the industrial district alone to meet Peterson. Did it not occur to you how odd it was for a retired professor to purchase a warehouse and fill it with computers and surveillance equipment? Wherever did he get the funds for such an endeavor? 

TO CONTINUE READING PART FOUR BY JULIE KUSMA CLICK HERE

THEY, PART 5

An excerpt from They, Part 5 by Jill Yoder

To listen to an audio version of this letter CLICK HERE

Dear Jocelyne,

Your last correspondence confirmed your arrogance and sense of superiority. Throughout the years of our friendship, I have always known your deep-seated assumptions about my character. You never miss a chance to imply that you think I am weak, even though it is so subtle. You must realize; I am fully enlightened about your sentiments. I am glad I followed my instinct and stayed in town rather than follow you like a puppy on its best behavior.

TO CONTINUE READING PART ONE BY JILL YODER CLICK HERE