Llewellyn feels bad as he sees the confusion written on his husband’s face. If he didn’t need to know what was going on, he would have drawn Rhy right back into his arms. He needs to know, though, if only to be able to help.

His fear is confirmed though as Rhy responds, and he feels his heart sink. What on earth had happened? He’s not unused to conversing with people who cannot hear or speak, given his casework in the past. Still, it’s a shock and a worry for Rhy to have suddenly lost his hearing, it’s no wonder the poor man had been so startled.

He squeezes a hand reassuringly and nods slightly, before reaching into his pocket and pulling out one of his notebooks (thank goodness he keeps them on him) to write a note. There are dozens of questions he wants to ask, but first thing first, he needs the other to know he understands.

I understand now. I’ll refrain from speaking at you and write instead, okay? I’m sorry for scaring you so, my love.