Date: Mon, 25 Jul 2016 10:59:54 -0400 From: Ronnie Subject: Not what I thought escape meant Chapter 90 Copyright to this story remain strictly that of the author. No other publication or use of this story is allowed with the consent of the author. This story contains male on male sexual content both implied and explicit. If this offends you please do not continue. All characters and implied situations are strictly those of the author and are not based on any real life events or characters. If you are under 18 years of age please exit this story now. I welcome all responses to my stories. Please make sure that you list the name of the story in the email line. If your email is to alert me of misspelled words or improper punctuation or grammar save your time because it will be deleted. I hope you enjoy my vivid imagination. Please let me know what you think at lakesinclairsstories @ gmail.com and don't forget to donate to Nifty as they do an amazing job. "Not what I thought escape meant" Chapter 90 Joe lay on the bed holding Zeb and just let him cry. Joe had tried multiple times to remove their connection but was not allowed. Joe was not still hard but even soft his cock was long enough and stiff enough to stay inside of Zeb. "Honey you just let it out. I am here and I have you." Joe whispered as he lightly stroked Zeb's back. After another five minutes Zeb sat up a little and looked down into Joe's eye. "I am sorry. You should have never seen this." Zeb said trying to compose himself. "Zeb, baby. Always realize. You never need to apologize and another thing is you can tell me anything." Joe said. Zeb took a deep breath and pulled himself up off of Joe. Moaning as he lay down beside Joe with his head on Joe's chest. "Babe I am sure that you are hurt a little. I would really like to check you out to make sure you are alright." Joe said. "I am fine. You may have to go easy for a day or so though." Zeb said. "Just promise me that you will not scare me like that again. You seemed determined to hurt yourself. Why ?" Joe asked. "It's a long story." Zeb said. "We have the rest of our lives so I have time." Joe said. "Are you sure ? You sure you want hate me ?" Zeb said. "Well have a past. I could never hate you but before I say this I want you to remember that I love you with all my heart and soul." Joe said. "Say what ?" Zeb said tensing up. "You are going to tell me what you meant when you kept screaming. (He lied. He died)." Joe said. "Did I say that out loud ?" Zeb said. "Many times." Joe whispered. Carl was already on his feet and headed to the door when the knob turned and the door began to open. Carl stopped mid stride waiting to see who came through. The deputy stepped through the door. Carl could not figure out at the moment if he was relieved or even more concerned. Just after clearing the doorway Carl's world came back to life. Carl lunged at the second person to come through the door. It took a second for Carl to release Max from a bear hug and push him back a little. Carl remembered seeing Max coming through the door. He remembered seeing his face and he also remembered the blood soaked shirt Max was wearing. "Are you alright ? Where are you hurt ?" Carl said in a feverish tone. "I am fine babe. Just my pride is hurt." Max said. "But all the blood." Carl said. "Not mine. At least I don't think it is." Max said with a small chuckle. The judge and the DA (District Attorney) came from the corner and reached out their hands to shake Max's. "Mr. Rexlan. You played a very dangerous game out there in the court room." The judge said. "It was all legal wasn't it ?" Max said. "Oh it was all legal but very risky." The DA said. "I knew the risks. I really was not expecting him to get physical but it had crossed my mind." Max said. "I am guessing by now that you know this has turned into an entirely different case now." The judge said. "Your honor we could have played his game for two weeks with him trying to keep me on the stand. All he wanted was control. NO ONE gets control of me unless I allow it." Max said. "Ain't that the damn truth." Carl laughed. "I hope this ends my involvement." Max said. "It does and we will handle that in a couple of minutes. They have to let me know the court room is cleared first." The judge said. "Where did all the blood come from ?" Carl asked. "Well our friend was not able to walk out of the court room. He left on a stretcher. I did not touch him. I received a couple of punches during the chaos but I am fine." Max said. "Yes the defendant was carried off on a stretcher. He looked on the rough side. A few teeth missing and both eyes swollen shut. Not sure where all he was bleeding from. The juror that jumped in got stabbed by the pen. The alternate jurors that jumped in are being treated for scratches and cuts." The deputy said. "The lady too ?" The DA asked. "Well I would not testify to this but her knuckles were pretty banged up. I am guessing she is the black eye lady." The deputy laughed. One of the EMT's came into the judges chambers. "Mr. Rexlan we strongly suggest you go to the Emergency Room and get X-rayed. You took a couple of good hits to the ribs and a hard blow to your shoulder." The EMT said. "I will be fine." Max said. "He will be there shortly." Carl said. "But......." Max said. "But nothing. You are going." Carl said. Max's adrenaline began to calm down and he felt a little weak. Sensing his unsteady movement Carl quickly helped Max to one of the chairs. "I think you are in capable hands." The judge chuckled. "I thought you didn't let anyone control you." The DA laughed. "He's different. I have to let him think he wins every now and then." Max laughed reaching out and taking Carl's hand. "As long as I get what I want." Carl laughed. "You had a lot of people worried for a few minutes." The judge said. "Oh shit. Joe and Ty were in the witness room." Max said moving quickly as if to stand. "May I inform them that Mr. Rexlan is alright ?" the deputy asked. "Just stay away from the media. Tell them they will both be out shortly to take Mr. Rexlan to the hospital." The judge said. Ty almost tackled the deputy as he came down the steps of the court house. "They are both fine. Carl is taking Max to the hospital when this is over to get him checked out though. " The deputy said. Brian felt dizzy from the deep breath of relief he took hearing that they were fine. Daryl was on the phone call Mary to let her know. Brian pulled out his phone and quickly called Ross. The radios around the ranch and half the county rang out with the news that both Max and Carl were alright and would be home in a couple of hours. "Hello" Joe whispered as he answered the phone. "Hey big brother. Daryl just called and said they found out that Carl and Max were alright. They should be home in a couple of hours. There was something about taking Max to the hospital to get him checked out." Mary said. "Thanks for calling. I think we are done for the day. Zeb has had a rough one." Joe said. "I will deal with the twins. I promised them they would get to see you and Zeb when you got off work." Mary said. "I will make it up to them ?" Joe whispered. "I am going to cook some food and carry it over and drop it off for Carl and Max." Mary said. "Bring them here while you go over there." Zeb said. "I thought you were asleep." Joe said. "Nope. Bring the boys here while you go over there. They don't need the twins stressing them out too." Zeb said. "Are you sure ?" Mary said. "Do you need me to come get them ?" Zeb asked. "No I will bring them. It will be at least two hours though. I am going to throw some meat sauce together. I will bring you two some too." Mary said. "Thanks Sis. Just call when you get ready to bring them." Joe said. The DA left the judges chambers to quickly draw up some papers. "It will not take long I promise. While we are waiting would you mind me asking a couple of questions ?" The judge asked Carl and Max. "Sure. Ask away." Carl said. "I have heard there are a lot of gay men that work on your ranch." The judge said. "Not all but the majority. Why ? Is that an issue ?" Carl said changing to a stern tone. "Oh no problem at all. Do you hire seasonal help ?" The judge asked. "It all depends. Tell us what's on your mind." Max said. "It's my step son. I married his mother when he was six months old. We have two other children but as far as I am concerned he has always been mine. I adopted him before he was two years old." The judge said. "And you suspect he is gay ?" Carl said. "Not quite. I know he is. He came out to me and his Mom when he was twelve or thirteen." The judge said. "And you disapprove ?" Max asked. "Quite the opposite. I am more proud of him than I am the other two so far. I am a judge so I see just how much back bone and guts it takes to tell the world that you are gay. I have seen strength in him even as a teen that I didn't know teens could possess." The judge said. "And we can help how ?" Carl asked. The judge leaned forward in his chair placing his hands on his desk. "My son is a junior in college. He comes home every year during summer semester. As you know in this small town it is tough to be around other gay men or teens. Well it use to be more difficult. Every year he is more and more uncomfortable when he comes home. He does not complain but it just feels like the entire summer he is so alone. I was wondering if you hired seasonal help ?" The judge asked. "We do not run a free for all sex ranch. It's the Rexlan Ranch not the Chicken Ranch." Carl said. "He knows that." Max said. "Oh I am sorry. I was not asking to give him a job so he could get his jollies while he is home. Not at all. I just wanted to help find him a job that he would or could be comfortable with the people around him. By the time he leaves every year he says that he has had a complete summer of new homophobic jokes. I am afraid that he will stop coming home for the summer and that will be the first step of not coming home at all." The judge said. "Landon can use some extra help next summer with the project herd and during slow times he could help in other areas. " Carl said. "First off is he willing to do ranch work ?" Max asked. "That is what he has done every year." The judge said. " Well the next time he comes home for a break have him come out and see us. He needs to check it out and make sure that he is comfortable with us and us with him." Max said. "You two are definitely a gift. His life would be a lot easier if people could see you two as a gay couple instead of what the media portrays gay men as. " The judge said. "They would still only see the ones like that guy today. That is all they want to see." Max said. Back in the court room the judge called the court to order. The judge, the DA, Joe, Max, a court reporter and a bailiff were the only ones in the room. The judge read out different law cases as did the DA. The DA asked for charges in a separate case and the judge allowed. "Mr. Rexlan. The court asks your permission to use the video of the proceedings of earlier this date and also the transcript." The judge said. "Sure Your Honor." Max said. "I would personally like to apologize to you for the events of earlier this day in the court. The court would like to thank you for your efforts in this case. Since you were called as a defense witness I am inclined to drop the subpoena and also issue a lifetime restraining order against the defendant for you and any family member or employee. By giving us permission to use the video and transcript I am able to release you from this case. At any point in the future if an attorney for the state or defendant approach you to ask questions please direct them to me. Do not answer any questions. If you are served with any official papers have them delivered directly to me." The judge said. "So I am done with this all entirely." Max said. "Yes Mr. Rexlan you are released from any testimonial obligations where the defendant is concerned. " The judge said. "Thank you Your honor." Max said. "Court dismissed." The judge said hitting the gavel on his desk. "Now get him to the doctor to be checked out." The judge said as he stood. "On the way Your Honor." Carl said smiling. Once outside the court house Max realized he was more sore than he thought. As he topped the stairs headed out the reporter ran towards him with the microphone. "Can you tell us what happened Mr. Rexlan ?" The reporter asked. Max just avoided the questions and turned towards Carl trying to cover his blood soaked shirt. Brian ran to his SUV and got a blanket out of the back that he and Ty kept in case they had a chance to sneak away. Once Max had the blanket around him Ty hugged him tight making him realize he was really getting soar. "Alright guys. I am going to take him to the hospital to get checked out. We will be home later." Carl said. "Mary is carrying some supper over to the house and leaving it." Daryl said. "Tell her thank you. Please don't be upset guys but after today I just want a quiet night at home." Max said. "That means the gate will be disabled." Carl said laughing. "How is Joe?" Max asked. "He is fine. Zeb is not doing so well though. Joe had to take him home." Brian said. "I guess I need to go talk to him tonight." Max said. "No you don't. Joe is a grown ass man. Time for him to step up and handle it." Carl said. "Yes Boss." Max said. "That's right. Until at least in the morning I am the boss. So don't argue." Carl said laughing. "We need to grab a quick shower." Zeb said running his fingers through Joe's hairy chest. "We still need to talk." Joe said. "We will I promise but the twins will be here in about half an hour." Zeb said. "I can cancel that." Joe said. "Don't you dare. Besides I think their energy will do both of us good." Zeb said. "As long as you are not trying to avoid talking." Joe said. "I promise that tonight I will tell you everything." Zeb said. "Alright then. Now get that sexy body in the shower so I can soap it up and clean it good. Oh and don't be surprised if I play with it a little bit while I am cleaning it." Joe said. "Deal sexy as long as I get the same privileges with your body." Zeb said as he lightly pinched one of Joe's nipples. "UGH Sis you always have bad timing." Joe said laughing. "Just a reminder that once they are gone this hairy body is all mine to do with what I want." Zeb said leaning up for one more kiss. Max was ushered to a different area of the hospital's Emergency section. Ty demanded that he not be anywhere near the others that had been brought in. Max did demand that he be able to speak to the ones that got injured trying to help him. Carl sat back and watch the momentary stand off and laughed to himself when Ty finally realized that Max was much stronger willed than him and would not have it any other way. "Glad to see someone else got that look." Carl whispered laughing. "What look ?" Max asked. "That don't fuck with me look because I am not backing down one." Carl said. "I don't have that kind of look." Max said. "Oh yes you do Uncle Max. When I saw that look I just figured Ty was on his own. I was not getting involved." Brian laughed. "You both make me out to be so bad." Max said. "Only when you have to be babe." Carl laughed. The twins hit the door in usual fashion. Full of little boy energy. "We gonna make cookies Unca Zeb ?" Shane said shouting as he ran towards Zeb. "Not today little man. Uncle Joe and I have to get the stuff from the grocery store first. But I promise we will make some Friday night." Zeb said. "Nana has cookie making stuff at her house." Shawn added in. "Yeah we can go get her stuff." Shane said. "Well if you go get her stuff what is she going to do when you want to make cookies at her house ?" Joe said. The twins looked at each other without speaking as if they were trying to figure out how to get past this life ending crisis. "Can we go to the grocwy store ?" Shane asked looking up at Joe. Joe swooped the little boy up and threw him over his shoulder. "You are going to have to wait until Friday little buddy." Joe said as Shane squealed and squirmed as Joe tickled him. "I wish we had time to go home for you to get a shower but I know if I carried you home I would never get you back here." Carl said. A nurse came in to finish Max's vital signs to put on his chart before the doctor came in to examine him. Max leaned over and whispered in her ear for a couple of minutes. "That will be no problem sir. Give me about five minutes to get everything arranged." She said as she smiled at the rest of the men in the room and turned disappearing on the other side of the screen. "What was that all about ?" Carl asked. "I asked about a shower." Max said. "Well I was going to give you a long hot, soaking bath when we get home." Carl said. "This one will be to just wash this blood off. You can do the in depth cleaning when we get home." Max said smiling. A few moments later the nurse pulled the screen back and asked Max to follow her. Carl smiled as Max walked into the exam room holding the back of the hospital gown closed. "Need some extra hands to hold that together ?" Carl said and smiled. "No. I need to keep it shut not have it wide open on full display." Max laughed. "But it's so damn sexy." Carl said. "Down boy." Max laughed. The nurse followed a couple of moments later with a bundled sheet with that appeared to have something inside. In her other hand she pulled one of the small wire garbage bag holders on wheels that had a red "BIO HAZARD" sign on it. "Here you go sir. Is this what you wanted ?" The nurse asked. "Yes thank you. Can you wait just a moment ?" Max asked. "Be glad to sir." The nurse said . Max pulled out the shirt that he was wearing and put it in the biohazard bag. Next he pulled out the pants he wore and put them in. "Those were almost clean. No need to chunk those." Carl said. Max did not reply. Next he pulled out the underwear that he had worn. That was probably the second pair that Max had worn in the last year. Commando was his way of life but as a respect for the court he wore a pair. Carl smiled as he placed those in the bag. "I won't argue with that one and no you don't need to replace them either." Carl said causing the nurse to blush. Next went the belt and then the shoes and socks. "Hey wait a minute." Carl said getting up and heading to the bag. "Those shoes are fine. The belt too. What are you doing ?" Carl said. As Carl began to reach for the bag the nurse stepped up. "Sir it is against the law to remove anything from a hazmat bag. It is the policy of the hospital for all materials to be incinerated." She said. "One last thing. " Max said as he put the blanket that Brian had given him. "Hey." Brian said. "Don't worry. I will buy you a new one." Max said. "That one could have been washed." Brian said. "Thank you nurse." Max said. "The doctor will in, in just a moment." The nurse said. "What in the hell is wrong with you. I understand wanting to get rid of the shirt. But everything ?" Carl said. "It's called DNA baby. Everything had at least a drop of blood on it so it could be justified bio hazard. If it is destroyed his court appointed attorney can not come after my clothes looking for evidence against me or the people that helped me." Max said. "Damn. Where did you hide your law degree ?" Carl said. "I should have known you had some motive for all of that." Brian said laughing. "What are you two talking about ?" Carl asked. "If I had not had that destroyed when he gets an attorney he could subpoena me because of the attack and the DNA on my clothes. " Max said. "The judge said you were done." Carl said. "I am with everything that has been presented to the court and done so far. That was just insurance that the attorney could not drag me into court under something not covered by the judge." Max said. "Does that mind ever stop working overtime ?" Carl laughed. "I have never seen it." Brian laughed. About that time the doctor came through the curtain. After a few x-rays and more examination the doctor informed them that there were only a few scratches and that the ribs were heavily bruised but not broken. His only concern was that Max's collar bone had a small fracture. "It's nothing to really be concerned about you just need to be careful with it for a couple of weeks." The doctor said. Carl was hanging on every word the doctor said while Max was not concerned. He knew his body and knew what he felt. "So that means I have to tone down the swinging from the rafters sex with my husband for a couple of weeks ?" Max said laughing. That statement snapped Carl out his tunnel vision daze. "MAX" Carl said. "This should not slow you two down one bit. As long as it does not include someone standing on your shoulders." The doctor said laughing. "Oh well baby I guess that new position is out of the question for a few weeks." Max said. "Doc please. You said be careful. What do you mean ?" Carl said. "Just that. Try not to bang that shoulder against a door frame. Try not to fall and land on that shoulder. That's all. He doesn't need complete bed rest for two weeks. Just realize there is a small crack and try not to make it worse." The doctor said laughing. "And you. What was all that sex talk about ?" Carl said. "Well I had to get your attention some how. I could tell that you were about to lock me in the house for a month." Max said. "Would that be a bad thing ?" Carl said. "As long as you were there with me naked the whole time. No." Max said. "Well I think my job is done here. I will leave that argument to you two. The nurse will bring you some slippers. You can keep the gown." The doctor said. "Thanks Doc and a special thank you for the gown." Carl said. Before they left the room the people that had helped protect Max entered the room. Carl and Max both shook their hands and hugged their necks. "I can never thank you enough for what you did for my husband." Carl said. "He deserved everything he got. I wanted to come out of the jury box a couple of times and whip his ass." One said. "Well I was not going to let the chance to get my punches in get away either." The young lady said. "I especially want to thank you. You jumped into a gay rape situation." Max said. "Rape is rape. Has nothing to do with sexual orientation. How often would I get to punch a rapist." The girl said laughing. "I am sorry that you all got injured." Max said. "Oh we will be fine. Not so sure about the other guy though." One man said. "Yeah he should be pretty popular in jail. Last I saw all his teeth were knocked out." the other man said. "Oh sorry guys. Did not aim that joke at you two." he added. "I thought it was funny myself." Max said laughing. "If we can ever do anything for any of you please do not hesitate to ask." Carl said. Max quickly told the group that he had his clothes destroyed and why he did so. The same nurse came back in and the group asked if they could do the same thing. She was glad to help in anyway and said that she and Ty would make sure the bag was destroyed. They would make sure they witnessed it themselves. "Can we just ride around the ranch and see all the changes ?" Max asked. "Are you sure you don't want to get home ?" Carl asked. "I will be fine. I just need to see everything. We have been too busy to take time to realize the improvements." Max said. "You are right." Carl said. Their first stop was Ross and Landon's house. They both agreed that Daryl had pulled a miracle out of the hat and the house and site were even more beautiful than they could have imagined. Next stop was the experimental herd area and then onto the new herd. "I will be glad when the farmer, his wife, Durk and B get home." Max said. "What do you think about having a big county wide welcome home party ? " Carl asked. "You don't mind ?" Max asked. "Not at all. Plus it will give Mary something else to work on besides the twins. Those two little fellas probably need a break. Besides it is fall and soon it will be too cold." Carl said. Next they crossed the road and drove past the shop. The men were finishing for the day and waved as the large diesel dually hummed by them. As they started down the small road towards the fields Carl reached over and ran his hand down the back of Max's open hospital gown. "Hey no fair." Max said as Carl ran his hand from Max's side down to his bare ass cheek and then back up. Carl just smiled and pulled his hand up pulling the gown with it until his fingers found and exposed nipple and he lightly squeezed it. "Not fair huh ? Hold the wheel." Carl said. Max reached out and took the wheel as Carl began to remove his shirt. Next was his shoes and socks. Before taking the steering wheel back Carl had managed to remove all his clothes and sat under the wheel completely naked. "Fair now ?" Carl asked. "Getting there." Max said. "Oh my my." Carl said leaning forward and looking over the console into Max's lap. With a silly grin on his face he reached under the wet spot on the gown and lightly squeezed the tip of Max's cock drawing out even more precum than Max had already discharged. "So my baby like what he sees." Carl said bringing his fingers to his lips. "Mmmm .. mmmmmmm..... mmmm. " Carl said and smacked his lips. "I guess my silly husband likes what he tastes then." Max laughed. "Tastes better every time. Oh and that gown stays. No need to throw it out. And by the way. I will clean that spot myself when we get home. Can't waste that to the washer." Carl said as he reached back around and squeezed one of Max's ass cheeks. "Why keep the gown ?" Max asked. "Because I like seeing my lover standing there with that beautiful ass showing through the back. That's why." Max laughed as he reached over and ran his finger around the tip of Max's cock to collect more precum. "Watch the road silly." Max said lightly slapping Carl's hand. "DADDIES HERE." Shane shouted as the door opened and Brian and Ty walked into Joe's house. Zeb had cooked noodles, garlic bread and made salads to go with the meat sauce Mary had brought. "Boy you two need a bath." Ty said as he walked to the table. Shawn sat with a full mustache and beard of ranch dressing while Shane, not to be out done, matched his twin with the same but in red sauce. "Unca Zeb makes the bestest sawads." Shawn said as he fought to keep the lettuce in his mouth as he talked. "Nuh Uh. The bestest sgetti." Shane said as noodles fell out of his mouth. "Alright you two. Less talking, more eating." Joe said laughing. "We have plenty. You want to join us ?" Zeb said getting up from the table. "OH no. Thank you but we have the same thing at home. Aunt Mary dropped a bowl off at our house too." Brian said laughing. "I guess its Spaghetti and meat sauce night around the Rexlan ranch tonight." Joe said laughing. It was not long before the little boy bellies were full. Shane was in Brian's arms and Shawn in Ty's as they demanded hugs and "bye bye" kisses from Uncle Joe and Uncle Zeb. Shane reached over and pulled Brian's hand to face him. "Is tomorrow fwiday ?" Shane asked. "No baby. You have one more day before it's friday. Why ?" Brian asked. "Cause fwiday we make cookies wif Unca Zeb. " Shane said as if everyone was suppose to know. "What about me ?" Joe said laughing. "You can lick the bowl Unca Joe." Shawn said smiling. "I will be ready. You boys had better be good and mind your dads though." Zeb said. "We will. Wuv you." The twins said in unison. "We love you too." Zeb said. "Yeah we love you silly rug rats." Joe said. "We not wug wats." Shane said in protest as the door closed behind them. Zeb locked the door and turned and leaned against it letting out a loud breath. "Those two never slow down." Joe laughed. "You have that right. They make a mess too." Zeb said pointing at Joe. "Looks like you have noodles on your shirt." Zeb said. Joe slowly began to unbutton his shirt. "Looks like you have some ranch dressing on yours." Joe said and winked. "Easy peasy." Zeb said and quickly pulled the t shirt over his head. Joe walked closer. Taking a noodle from his shirt he put it on Zeb's shorts. "Looks like you have something on your shorts. Let me help take care of that." Joe said reaching his hands under the waist band of Zeb's shorts. "Ah shit. There is nothing under those shorts." Joe said as he reached in and cupped Zeb's bare ass cheeks and pulled Zeb to his chest. Joe worked his hands moving Zeb's shorts further and further down. Their lips were almost touching but each man was gazing deep into the other ones eyes. "I think my noodle got on your shorts. I need to fix that." Zeb said reaching down to unbuckle Joe's shorts. "Baby your noodle can get on me anywhere and any time." Joe said as he leaned over for a sensual kiss. Joe lightly caressed Zeb's still slightly swollen ass ring. "No more for you tonight. I don't want to damage this special ass beyond repair." Joe whispered. "No more for me? Baby there are other ways to get inside me other than my ass. " Zeb whispered as he lightly bit Joe's lower lip. "Mental note." Zeb thought. He felt Joe's already hard cock jump between them when he nibbled on Joe's bottom lip. "Alright. Enough for now." Joe said picking Zeb up by the waist and carrying him to the couch. Joe stood Zeb in front of him and sat down placing his back against the arm and putting his feet on the couch. Reaching out he led Zeb to lay down on top of him resting Zeb's head just under his chain. As Joe wrapped his arms around Zeb he heard a low moan. Zeb moaned as his much smaller hard cock fought for space along side of Joe's monster that was trapped between their bodies. "We are still going to talk." Joe whispered as he reached up and grabbed the television remote. "About what ? Cookie ingredients ?" Zeb whispered. "That too later but first we are going to talk about "he lied, he died"." Joe said. Joe could feel Zeb's body freeze for a moment hearing the words said aloud again.