Secrets 2

Drama Mystery

Written in response to: "Write a story that starts with someone writing their will — one they know people won’t like." as part of Legacies.

Author's Note: I am aware that this story doesn't go with this prompt, but it didn't go with any of them, so I just picked this one. So please don't give feedback based on the prompt. I hope you enjoy this story anyway! Thanks! :D

Dear Diary,

Hello again. This is Johanna. I got out of the home for troubled teenagers like myself a week ago. I am staying with Joanne and David (Eileen and Ronald’s parents) in their home until the court holds my trial. Then, the judge will decide if I will be sent to juvy or not. I don’t know why I wouldn’t be, but you never know I guess. Joanne and David got me a lawyer. I explained everything to them, but they’re still being nice to me and helping me with a lot of things. Why? I don’t understand. Like, they should be punishing me 24/7. I’m scared of my trial. I know that I deserve to go to juvy, but I have weakened. I don’t know if I’ll be able to handle it. -Johanna

Dear Loretta,

This is Joanne Dlovay. I am writing to you about the upcoming trial that you are defending Johanna Yoziak. Things have been very difficult for me, and also David. We are sure that Johanna is confused about this entire situation. So, we want to do everything in our ability to help make this better for her. We do not want her in a juvenile detention center, even if what she did is terrible. It’s not her fault; it is her father’s poor decisions. I hope that you can help us with this. Enclosed inside of this envelope is a check for your work. Thank you.

Yours truly,

Joanne Dlovay

3 weeks later…

Dear Diary,

Hello. This is Johanna, yet again. My trial was a week ago. My lawyer was great, and she was very nice. Even to me. After loads of going back and forth with the lawyer, the judge said I wasn’t guilty. Yeah, you read me. NOT GUILTY. Loretta has some magic. But I’m still worried that I’ll get sent there somehow anyway. I don’t know. I don’t know anything anymore. -Johanna

Hello Johanna,

This is David and Joanne writing to you. As you read this, Joanne and I will have already left. We are taking a weekend trip to my mother’s home, as we have not been able to talk to her since the accidents happened.

We are leaving you with the responsibility to take care of the house while we are gone, and not to leave the house unless it is an absolute emergency. At the bottom of this letter is both Joanne and I’s phone numbers in case you need anything. We are just one call away.

Again, no one blames you for the things that happened. And we are proving this by trusting you to stay by yourself.

Sincerely,

Joanne and David

Dear Diary,

Last time when I told you that an entry would be my last one, it turned out not to be. Joanne and David have left for a weekend trip to David’s mother house, which means I am alone. This is my last entry, Diary. Joanne and David will have you from now on. Goodbye for the last time. -Johanna.Hello Pastor Leah,

This is Joanne Dlovay. My husband (David Dlovay) and I went on a weekend trip this past weekend. We trusted Johanna Yoziak to stay at our house and take care of it while we were away. Of course you know who she is, and what kind of background she has. But she had definitely shown improvement since she started to stay with us. We had done all we could to help her, but on Sunday, when David and I arrived at home, Johanna was nowhere to be seen. We called her cell multiple times, but after she didn’t answer and didn’t come back for hours, we knew. David and I immediately drove to the bridge where I found her that one night, and there was a diary sitting on the sidewalk. On the front cover, there was a label that said “To: Joanne and David Dlovay”. That diary ended up being Johanna’s, and we figured it all out.

Now for the reason that I am writing this letter: we would like you to hold Johanna’s memorial at your church. My family and I agreed that we would like you to speak. We will pay you no matter how much it costs. Thank you.

Yours truly,

Joanne Dlovay

Joanne Dlovay-

Hello again. This is Pastor Leah, responding to your devastating letter about the late Johanna Yoziak. I am so sorry to hear about this loss. I, of course, will hold the memorial. With knowledge of how deep this situation goes, I will make sure that no one else is in the church at the time that we hold the memorial.

I know that this is a time that people grieve, but I sadly have to know all of the upsetting details. In your reply, please tell me as much as you can about Johanna’s life.

Thank you and God bless,

Pastor Leah

Dear Pastor Leah,

Thank you for doing this for us. It means so much. I know very little about Johanna, except for what I have gathered since Ronald passed away.

-Johanna has lived with her father since she was a newborn, as her mother passed away just minutes after she was born.

-Her father is an ex-murderer, because he is now in jail for life.

-Johanna had the most bright blue eyes in the world, that always pierced your own, no matter what emotion she was feeling.

-She really was great friends with my children, and Pastor Gene, and would have never murdered them if it wasn’t for her father.

That is all I know. Thank you again for all of this.

Your friend,

Joanne Dlovay

2 weeks later…

Dear Johanna,

Why did you do it? We would have helped you with whatever. You should have known that. You shouldn’t have jumped. It was the wrong thing to do. So many people miss you. You had friends. Best friends. Over one hundred people attended your memorial. There was no reason for this to happen. Your grief and your guiltiness shouldn’t have taken over. The fact that you were better should have taken over. Joanne and I blamed you in no way. It was your father’s doing, not yours. I do hope that you knew this. None of it was your fault. None. I know that you were truly friends with Ronald and Eileen. They would always come home from hanging out with you and smile, talking about all of the fun things you did. Ever since you were babies. I can’t imagine what your father had to do to make you do those terrible things. And Pastor Gene. He was such a kind old man. I know you loved him. Everyone did. I am so sorry about everything that has happened in the last few months. Say hi to Ronald and Eileen up in Heaven for me.

Love,

  David Dlovay

Posted Sep 02, 2020
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65 likes 190 comments

B. W.
September 11, 2020 17:01

Brooke its out :D go check out "adventure with friends" and "crossover" and tell me what ya think ^^

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September 13, 2020 18:28

Yay! I will!

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B. W.
September 13, 2020 18:32

yay ^^ remember to tell me what ya think

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September 13, 2020 18:33

I will! ^^

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B. W.
September 13, 2020 18:37

Alright ^^

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Hriday Saboo
September 09, 2020 08:04

Hey Brooke a nice story. Happy 50th story too

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September 09, 2020 21:03

Thanks and thanks.

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September 03, 2020 15:29

This story was so awesome! Great job! The journal-style was super creative and cool!

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September 03, 2020 21:45

Thanks a ton, Blair!

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September 04, 2020 15:35

No problem!

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September 02, 2020 21:48

Wow! Amazing story! I also loved the diary/letter format and thought it gave a deeper meaning to the story this way. It caught my eye from the beginning, and though it doesn't go with the prompt, it is clearly a very deserving story!

Keep writing Brooke!!!

-owly a.k.a. johanna

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September 03, 2020 21:54

Thanks a ton, Owly!
Wait, your name is Johanna? XD That's funny!

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Lulu Lemon
September 02, 2020 21:06

Great story! I think you JUST posted this because I refreshed my page and BOOM it was here.
Anyway... great job! It was super cool how you did it in a diary/letter format! I thought it was super smart and creative!

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September 02, 2020 21:10

Yup, I did!
Thank you so much!

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September 02, 2020 21:12

And I want to go spam you with likes, but you don't have any stories yet! :( I hope you come out with some soon! :D

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Lulu Lemon
September 02, 2020 21:15

Awww! Thank you so much!

Me too! I will hopefully have one out this week or next week! :)

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September 02, 2020 21:16

My pleasure! Crossing my fingers! :D

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Lulu Lemon
September 02, 2020 21:18

Me too!

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Lulu Lemon
September 02, 2020 21:13

Of course!

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B. W.
October 22, 2020 19:00

heyyyy

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October 22, 2020 23:24

Hi!

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B. W.
October 22, 2020 23:42

how are ya?

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October 23, 2020 20:30

Bien. Como estas?

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B. W.
October 23, 2020 20:31

uh- i'm good as well?

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October 23, 2020 20:32

Good answer, good answer! XD

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B. W.
September 30, 2020 01:53

wait aww- i just saw the 'top reedsy people' thing. does that just mean we're some of your Reedsy friends or something?

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September 30, 2020 11:16

Yup! I'm just switching out my favorite Reedsy friends and supporters, probably around once a week. :D

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B. W.
September 30, 2020 13:26

awww :)

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B. W.
September 16, 2020 14:53

Brooke i think i need some help, i think someone's been down-voting me a bit

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September 16, 2020 19:49

Well, that's rude. What do you need me to do?

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B. W.
September 16, 2020 19:50

i don't think you'd be able to help with the down-voting but its with something else, you know that novel i'm working on right?

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September 16, 2020 19:51

I know. I'm sorry.
Yup! Whatcha need?

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B. W.
September 16, 2020 19:56

Well i wanna add some romance with Harlow and Willow because i think it would be cute but i have no idea how to do romance or how to get ideas, so i need help with that and maybe a near death or an actual death

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September 16, 2020 20:23

Well, I agree that romance is something that is pretty hard to do. I would say that you could combine the two. There could be a near-death experience that both Harlow and Willow experience, and their relationship just starts there.

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B. W.
September 16, 2020 22:21

Sooo what do you think of her personalities and what she looks like? is it good, and why did ya wanna know what she looks like? just for a description or soemthing?

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September 17, 2020 19:54

Yeah, for description. I promise, I am not a creep, I don't want to know what you look like. Just what you want your character to look like.
And yeah, I would like some ideas for her different personalities.

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B. W.
September 17, 2020 19:58

Oh gosh i kinda just asked again so sorry if ya see it again, and that's fully how i look like that's just how the character looks like and with the different personalities do you think you'll be fine when ya do em?

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September 17, 2020 19:59

It's okay.
Yup, I can definitely work with your personality ideas. Thanks again!

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B. W.
September 19, 2020 22:57

Wait so with Olivia did she just move somewhere and is new to the school?

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B. W.
September 15, 2020 21:01

Brooke ^^ check out "Universe" and tell me what ya think its like a preview thing for my actual novel with the first and second chapter

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September 15, 2020 23:45

I will.

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B. W.
September 15, 2020 23:46

Yay ^^ remember to leave some feedback, i wanna see what ya have to say and maybe there could be some advice for it

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September 15, 2020 23:46

I will ^^

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B. W.
September 15, 2020 23:46

alright thanks ^^

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September 15, 2020 23:48

no problem

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B. W.
September 14, 2020 20:21

Brooke ^^ i'mma be making an actual novel about something :D

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September 15, 2020 00:41

Oh, my gosh! That's so exciting! If you need any help with anything, then let me know. I would be happy to help!

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B. W.
September 15, 2020 00:43

Yes i do need some help ^^ do ya wanna hear the plot so you could understand it easier and help?

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September 15, 2020 00:43

Sure ^^

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B. W.
September 15, 2020 00:46

tell me what you think:
17 year old Harlow gets transported into another Dimension And doesn't know how to get back now she must deal with trying to get back home, Staying hidden so she doesn't get captured and an alternate version of herself thats after her, but with the help of a new friend there, willow, will she be able to get back?

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September 15, 2020 00:48

Wow. That sounds REALLY good. What do you need help with?

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B. W.
September 11, 2020 13:39

Heyyyy brooke you getting excited? its gonna happen real soon :)

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September 13, 2020 18:29

I'm so excited! :D

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B. W.
September 13, 2020 18:32

Go check em out ^^ i know you'll like it

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September 13, 2020 18:33

I will!

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B. W.
September 13, 2020 18:34

alright ^^

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B. W.
September 10, 2020 15:14

Brooke how do ya wanna act? im talking about the story with you and some other Reedsy Friends. so i need to know how ya wanna act in it so i dont get anything wrong

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September 10, 2020 20:38

Well, I really don't want to be my normal self. So... I think I want to be a character who says exactly what's on her mind, no matter how harsh it is. Also, I want my character to wear lots of things that are either camo or yellow (my two new obsessions XD). One more thing. I want her hair to be auburn (red-brown) with purple streaks. Thanks! It means a lot to me that you're adding me in one of your stories!

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B. W.
September 10, 2020 20:40

No problem ^^ i'll try my best to do that stuff when your in the story at some of the parts, if you want to do you wanna know the plot of the story or do you just wanna wait tomorrow maybe?

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September 10, 2020 20:41

Thanks so much again! No, I think I want to wait until tomorrow. :D

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B. W.
September 10, 2020 20:43

No problem ^^ your my friend and you've all been so nice and stuff so i decided to make something for ya all. still like the plot do ya wanna know who else will be there or wanna wait until tomorrow when its out?

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Doubra Akika
September 10, 2020 08:45

Hey Brooke! Amazing story again!
This was one was so sad. Your writing style is so beautiful and the letter and diary format were wonderful!
I really hope you're staying safe!

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September 10, 2020 20:39

Thank you so much, Doubra!
I'm trying my best! :D And the same to you!

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Doubra Akika
September 10, 2020 21:31

My pleasure!
It shows! Thanks as well!
If you get the chance, would you mind giving me feedback on my latest submission? Would love to see what you have to say!

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September 10, 2020 22:28

Of course!

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Doubra Akika
September 10, 2020 22:50

Thanks!

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September 13, 2020 18:30

No problem!

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Kristin Neubauer
September 07, 2020 17:15

I thought you did a really great job on this, Brooke. The letter format was a perfect choice and kept it moving at a quick pace. You took on an important theme with the power of forgiveness and the sensitive themes of suicide and murder. It actually felt like a hopeful story despite the tragic undertone. And even though I applaud you for posting a story not necessarily related to a prompt, I think you could make a case for this being tied to the prompt you chose. Not one said that a will HAS to be a document leaving one's estate to someone else. Couldn't a will be the diary of a young woman...leaving her explanations behind to the people who helped her? Can't there be different interpretations on what a will is? Well done!

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September 07, 2020 18:20

Thank you so much, Kristin!

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Amogh Kasat
September 07, 2020 07:54

It's a wonderful story! Please read my latest story

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September 07, 2020 16:42

Thanks!
Of course!

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Amogh Kasat
September 08, 2020 01:58

thanks

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September 09, 2020 21:05

No problem!

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B. W.
September 05, 2020 10:16

Hey brooke i'm not sure if i left a review or not but i'll leave one soon i just came to say that i made another story i'd want you to go check out and leave a review for but im sorry if you already have and i'm just saying it again, the name is "Together"

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September 07, 2020 16:44

I'll go check it out!

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B. W.
September 07, 2020 16:51

Thanks im excited to see what you say ^^

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September 07, 2020 18:20

No problem!

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B. W.
September 07, 2020 18:29

:)

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. .
September 03, 2020 03:06

Wow! Such a good story, I loved the ending. super creative

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September 03, 2020 21:45

Thanks a ton, Sarah!

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Megan Sutherland
September 03, 2020 00:36

😥 such a sad story!
It was amazing though, Brooke!!
I like how you told the story with diary entries, very unique. I'm so glad you posted something new because I have been WAITING! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Would you mind visiting my page? I've posted new stories since you've been there last, and I'm now 90th on the leaderboard!
Thanks!
Your #1 Reedsy Friend/Fan,
Megan

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September 03, 2020 21:50

Thank you so much, Megan!
Like I said in my bio, I have been very busy lately since I have started school this past week. I apologize, but I will only post one story a week and I will only be active in the afternoons.
Of course! And congrats!
Keep writing and stay healthy,
Your #1 Reedsy Friend & Fan - Brooke D.

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Megan Sutherland
September 03, 2020 21:54

Thank you so muchhhhhh!
I miss talking to you and I understand you're busy- I'm going to be as well soon, my school starts on Tuesday.

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September 03, 2020 21:55

My pleasure!
I miss talking to you and others as well. Being back to school is awesome, but I miss talking to my new Reedsy friends! XD Good luck for school!

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Megan Sutherland
September 03, 2020 21:55

Haha, yeah! Good luck to you too!!
I hope whatever grade you're in isn't too hard lol

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September 03, 2020 21:56

Thanks!
It's not, luckily! XD

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Nellie Jett
September 02, 2020 22:03

This was such an amazing story! I love the format and the way that you were able to tell the story so well using only journal entries! Great job!!

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September 03, 2020 21:51

Thank you so much, Helen!

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Nellie Jett
September 03, 2020 21:53

No problem!!

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Amaya Reddy
September 02, 2020 21:58

Hi! I love your writing style and was wondering if you could read my recent story and give me tips/criticism. It would be super amazing. Also, I really really loved how you did it in letter format, I've always been meaning to do a story like that. Keep writing, you're really amazing

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September 03, 2020 21:51

Thanks a ton, Bibilo!
Of course!

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Amaya Reddy
September 03, 2020 22:13

Thank you!

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September 03, 2020 22:14

My pleasure!

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Evelyn ⭐️
September 12, 2020 19:30

Hey Brooke! What happened to the sequel that was supposed to come out?

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September 13, 2020 18:25

I am so sorry! I got very busy, so I just submitted it today!

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Evelyn ⭐️
September 13, 2020 22:09

Ok, no problem I understand!

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Anshika Goyal
September 11, 2020 20:04

I loved your story!! Congrats on the concept. The story is well-written and oh- those dialogue tags make me feel like an observer. I hope I can write like You T_T
I am a newbie here, and I would love it if you check out two of my recent stories;)

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September 13, 2020 18:27

Thanks so much, Anshika!
Of course!

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Yolanda Wu
September 10, 2020 11:27

Omg yes, I remember reading this story, it's totally one that stuck with me. I love the letter format, it adds so much to the overall story. Knowing more about what happened to Johanna was something I didn't know I needed. And oof that last letter, you did such a good job at building up to that. Amazing work as always, Brooke!
If you have the time, I would love to hear your feedback on my recent story. Well technically my recent story is 'Dawn Breaks Open With a Blood Red Sun', but it's a part two to 'Dancing With a Winged Ghost' so I would suggest reading that one first.
Can't wait to read your next story!

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September 10, 2020 20:39

Thanks so much, Yolanda!
Of course!

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The Cold Ice
September 09, 2020 04:11

Wonderful story.I like the ending.Great job👍keep it up.It was a sad story .
Would you mind reading my new story
“The dragon warrior part 2?”(I have still time to edit)

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September 09, 2020 21:03

Thanks so much, Sahitthian!
Of course!

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Avery G.
September 04, 2020 23:34

Wow, this was soo good! I loved it! Great job!

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September 07, 2020 16:45

Thanks a ton, Avery!

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Avery G.
September 08, 2020 02:48

You're welcome!!!

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