My dear Beth,

I've given up on escaping by boat because it seems like an awful idea. I've read too many books about people getting stranded at sea to entertain the idea.

Instead I've been burning leaves in hopes that someone will see the smoke. It's not the most efficient way, but I'm finding it's less life endangering in the short term. 

In the meantime I've been talking to the island dweller David. He says that if anyone comes for us he's staying put. He's been here too long and doesn't feel that there's anything for him to return too. As always I'm worrying that you'll think I'm dead. This is my last piece of paper so I guess I'll have to resort to bark.

-J