Redacted

[audio playback begins]

[whispering] Some legends are truer than others.

No; that’s a terrible way to begin. Let me try again.

Once upon a time…

Nope. Ugh. This is harder than I thought. [clears throat] Okay, okay, I’ve got it.

[papers rustling; a low hum can be heard in the background]

We can blame the fall of our nation on [inaudible]. If it wasn’t for them, in their fancy suits and their tiny homes and their dedication to [inaudible], more of us would have survived. If you are listening to this recording, beware of them and their gifts. Beware of their smiles, full of perfect, sharp, monstrous teeth. Be wary of them, with their [inaudible] skin and flawless speech. Be alarmed, when they choose you, when they say, “We have found a great opportunity for you,” for they lie. The greatness is for them; for you, there is only sorrow. We can blame them for our fate.

Perhaps, too, we can blame ourselves. We allowed ourselves to be swayed by the promises of prosperity. It seemed so easy, too easy, in retrospect. We reached out for assistance, and they arrived, with their cases of [inaudible] and those grins and the words, “Join us” on their lips. We believed. And we fell.

Beware the [inaudible], for they are out there, and their next target is -

[audio playback ends]

Sumayyah Talibah © 09 January 2018

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