It's been three months since Hunters' death and Tom Masons' disappearance. The 2nd Massachusetts has been constantly on the move; nowhere is safe enough to stay.

Pope and his men rode through the debris littered streets, swerving to avoid the electro-magnetic blasts that were being fired at them. A single Mech appeared around the corner just as the three men dropped their motorbikes in the dirt. A shotgun was thrown in Popes direction and he caught it with ease, quickly pumping the barrel and firing without hesitation. Half a dozen Skitters scurried around the buildings, closely followed by another aggravated Mech. As the enemies neared, Captain Weaver peered around the wall he was using as cover and pushed down on the detonator he held in his hand, causing the Mech to explode.

"Open fire!" He shouted, reloading the rifle in his hands.

The group of fighters began shooting, bringing down a handful of charging Skitters. Unfortunately the enemy was stronger, and continued to push forward. The single Mech charged forward, all bullets ricocheting off its metal plating.

Captain Weaver pulled back into cover, barely missing a bullet aimed for his head. "Where the hell is that backup!?"

Just as those words left his lips a single missile was fired from one of the windows in a decrepit building, hitting the Mech and making it fall to the ground. Maggie smirked once she hit her target.

"Good job, Mags," Hal congratulated quickly before turning his attention to the rest of group. "Keep your heads down! Make every shot count!" He instructed, swiftly getting into position and firing at the enemies below.

Him, Maggie, Jimmy, and Ben took down the Skitters from above. Ben scowled at every Skitter he took down. He didn't want a single one to survive. He hated them, and everyone knew it. He didn't even try to fight the anger anymore; instead he embraced it. He was stronger when he was angry; at least that's what he believed.

Skitters continued to fall. They were finally winning this encounter. Pope and his men took out the remaining few.

"Cease fire! Save your ammo."

The team obeyed their Captain, placing their weapons aside. All except for Ben. He ignored his orders and continued firing.

"Cease fire! Ben, stop shooting!" Hal screamed at his younger brother.

Ben fired his rifle two more times before ceasing fire. Hal shook his head, ashamed of the way Ben was behaving. He wasn't the only one to lose people he cared about. Hal looked out the window and gave Weaver the all clear. Weaver nodded in response and checked his watch.

"We got…eight minutes before those beamers respond. We gotta get the hell outta here! Let's go, let's go, let's go!"

Everyone began piling into the vehicles. Hal and his group started descending the stairs, though Hal double backed when he noticed Ben wasn't following.

"Ben, what are you doing? We're clearing out."

Ben kept his gaze fixed on something down in the streets. He raised his gun to his face, "One's still moving….I can't get a shot."

"Then leave it! Come on," Hal gestured for Ben to follow him. Ben glanced at Hal before running and jumping out the window and onto the street below. "Ben!"

Ben landed on his feet with an inaudible thud, whipped out his knife from his pocket, and stormed towards the half-dead Skitter. Seeing him approach, the Skitter screeched and used the last of its energy to lunge at him. Ben easily held the alien at arms-length and dug his blade into the things throat, causing dark red blood to squirt over his hand and run down his arm.

Hal ran towards his little brother, his gun at the ready. "Ben. What the hell are you doing, man?"

Instead of answering, he turned, sensing another Skitter nearby. He grabbed the gun from his back and walked away, despite his brothers protests.

"There's another one," Ben said simply. "I can feel it."

Just as he predicted, a Skitter stumbled around the corner. Ben fired quickly. The Skitter screeched, seeming startled by the surprise attack. Ben smirked as the Skitter staggered to the ground, but his face soon fell once his eyes landed on something he wasn't expecting. He and Hal lowered their weapons as they stared in disbelief.

"Dad?!" Both brothers yelled as they ran to their father that had disappeared three months ago. Tom Mason smiled, happy to finally see his sons again, before dropping to the ground. The Mason boys finally reached him, Hal being the one to turn him over on his back. Their eyes went straight to the bullet wound in their fathers' stomach. The bullet wound that Ben had given him.

"Ben…Hal…" Tom whispered, the smile still on his face. "You're alive…thank God." His head lolled to one side as he became unconscious.

"Tom?! Oh my God…"

The boys were on their feet with their guns at the ready when they heard a new voice from beside them. Once his mind finally registered what his eyes were seeing, Bens' gun drooped. A noise of surprise escaped his lips as he stared at the girl that stood before him. The girl that had died three months ago. The girl that they had buried and he had mourned.

Hunter.

Ben shook his head, not willing to believe that this was real. This had to be some sort of trick. A hallucination. And he would have believed that too if Hal hadn't had the same look of disbelief on his own face.

Ben stopped breathing at that point. He gazed at her – he couldn't tear his eyes away from her. He wanted to soak up every little detail about her. She wore black tights underneath a pair of tattered denim mini shorts, a white shirt with a picture of a camera on the front, and a black leather jacket with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. Her fiery red hair was tied in a messy high-ponytail. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. His heart started to beat a little faster as her eyes met his own.

"H-Hunter?" Hal breathed. "How are you…? No, this is impossible."

Hunter glanced between the Mason brothers before brushing past them and kneeling beside Toms' body. She pressed her fingers to his neck, feeling a faint pulse.

"I know this is hard to believe, but I'll explain everything later. Right now I need ya to concentrate, ok?"

Ben and Hal stood frozen to the spot, still unable to fully comprehend the situation. Hunter rolled her eyes and made her way over to them. She raised her hand and slapped them both across the face, snapping them out of their daze.

"Now ain't the time to be gettin' all spacey on me, boys. This is an emergency," Hunter spoke quickly, rushing back to Toms' body. Hal was the first one to react, swiftly following Hunters lead. They slung Toms' arms over their shoulders and, supporting him from either side, slowly got to their feet.

"We need to get him back to camp," Hal said. "Our vehicles are over in the next street with the rest of the group."

Hunter nodded and turned her attention to Ben, who had yet to move. "Ben? Ben!"

Ben stared at her, still in slight daze and finding it difficult to function.

"Ben," Hunter started, calmly. "I need ya to lead the way to the rest of the group. Can ya do that?"

His eyes travelled to his fathers' wound, bleeding profusely. "Y-yeah, I can-I can do that," he said with a nod, finally understanding the seriousness of the situation.

"We got beamers on us!" Captain Weaver yelled over the sound of roaring engines from the space-crafts' flying over their heads. One of the beamers fired a missile, creating a blinding explosion. Weaver held his cap down with one hand, the strong wind from the blast threatening to blow it from his head. "Where the hell is Hal and Ben!?"

Dai stuck his head out the window of the jeep, "It hasn't been eight minutes."

"Looks like the bad guys are growing a brain," Maggie said from her place in the bed of the truck.

Weaver rubbed his mouth in agitation. If they didn't leave soon they were going to be blown straight to Hell. Shouting in the distance grabbed the Captains' attention.

"Captain! Captain, hold on!" Hals voice rang out.

Weaver stepped around the truck, Maggie jumped out from her place in the back, and Dai hopped from the driver's seat. They all stopped dead in their tracks at what they saw. Not only was Tom Mason being dragged towards them, but he was being supported by Hunter.

"Hunter…" Weaver breathed. With a trembling hand he reached out to her, but then drew back, thinking she would disappear if he was to touch her. "I-I don't…I don't…understand. H-how is this…? I-what?"

"Hiya, Dad," Hunter smiled gently but didn't stop walking. She and Hal placed Tom down gently in the back of the truck. The Captain continued to stare, just as Ben had previously done. Hunter climbed into the bed of the truck with Tom, pulling him further in so he wouldn't fall out.

"We need to get moving," Hal said, patting Weavers' shoulder as he, too, climbed into the bed of the truck.

Weaver took one final wary glance at his supposed 'dead' daughter before snapping back into action. "Pope! Anthony! Get outta here now!" He shouted, climbing into the back with the rest of the group.

"Mason? Where the hell did he come from?" Pope questioned, his face scrunched up in confusion. He looked back at the road ahead and revved his engine before stopping abruptly, looking over his shoulder once again. "Hold up one goddamn minute…is that Weavers girl?"

"Come on, let's move!" Weaver shouted, banging the side of the truck.

The truck took off towards cap, Pope and his men following closely behind.

Dr Glass stared down on the man, having died only moments ago, with sympathy before slowly pulling the blue sheet over his head. She sighed with tiredness, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face as she left the tent. She needed a break from the death that seems to have been following them every step of the way. Anne stretched her arms above her head, hoping to bring some relief to a few of her tired muscles. Dragging in a deep breath, she filled her lungs completely, lowering her arms a little and carefully tipping her neck from side to side to work out any kinks.

Her moment of relaxation was cut short, however, when someone screamed her name. Her face fell when she recognized the voice belonged to Hal.

Members of the 2nd Mass piled around to see what all the commotion was about. Anne pushed her way through the crowds. There were murmurs of confusion and panic rising throughout the crowd. Finally breaking through, Anne paused momentarily, her breath catching in her throat.

Weaver, Maggie, Hal, and Hunter helped carry Tom, who had come around on the way to camp, through the boisterous crowd.

"Tom? H-Hunter?" Anne gasped, rushing over.

"Got shot," Weaver informed her. "He's lost a lotta blood."

Tom winced and smiled at Anne, "Anne."

"Was it a Mech?" Anne asked, leading the group to the med bus.

"Tell Ben it wasn't his fault," Tom said, breathing heavily.

Anne looked around in confusion, meeting the Captains' eye. "It was an accident," he glanced over his shoulder at Ben, who had been following close behind. "Friendly fire."

Ben grasped the back of Annes' shirt desperately, "I-I didn't mean too. I-it was dark-"

"Ben, I have to go," Anne cut him off, slipping out of his grasp and entering the bus.

Ben stumbled back slightly, watching as Anne shut the curtains. Maggie stood in front of him, but kept a slight distance between them. "Ben, it's ok."

He ignored her consolation and pushed past the crowds, slipping past the door and making his way into the bus. His face turned pale as he stared at his father placed atop the metal table. Anne ripped Toms' shirt, allowing her easier access to the wound. Captain Weaver and Hunter turned him over, causing blood to pour from the wound. Lourdes gave Toms' coat to Hal and told him to step back.

"No exit wound," Anne noted. "Means the bullet's still inside. Lourdes, I need his pressure."

Lourdes nodded and grabbed the sphygmomanometer from a drawer. As she was wrapping the cuff around his arm, Matt came sprinting into the bus.

"Dad!"

Hal moved towards him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Hey, buddy."

"What happened to him?! Is he going to be ok?" Matt began to cry. He didn't want to see his father like this. Hal tightened his hold on him, hugging him from behind.

Anne listened for his heartbeat for a moment. She slipped off her stethoscope and brushed the same stray hair out of her face. "Ninety over seventy. Start an IV, and go get the Propofol we found in Fitchburg."

Lourdes move swiftly around the bus, getting everything Anne ordered her to grab. While Lourdes was doing that, Anne looked down at Tom.

"I can't stop the bleeding until I find out where the bullet is. I have to go in, Tom."

Tom nodded in response, his eyes closed.

Lourdes glanced at the Mason boys. "Guys, I know how much you wanna be here, but…"

"She's right," Weaver spoke up, stepping towards the boys. "Come on, let's give 'em some room. Let's give 'em some room." He ushered them from the bus.

Ben remained where he was; silently praying to whatever being that was out there that his Dad would pull though. Hunter, who had been silent the whole time, stepped away from Tom. She threw Ben a worried glance as she moved towards him. She placed her hand on his arm, making him jump slightly. She gave him a sad smile before leaving the bus. Ben hesitated for a minute, and then followed after the redhead. He couldn't do anything about his father at the moment, but he could find out what was happening with Hunter.

As Hunter stepped out of the bus she was greeted by an eerie silence. Her eyes scanned across the crowd that had gathered outside. All were shaking their heads and whispering amongst themselves. She shifted awkwardly before taking a step forward. The crowd stepped back as she got closer to them, like they would catch some dreadful disease if they touched off her.

"Hunter?" A little boys' voice called out in surprise.

"Felix!" Hunters' face lit up as the child ran to her with open arms and tears running down his face.

As soon as he was in reaching distance, Hunter lifted him off the ground and into her arms. Felix wrapped his arms tightly around her neck, Hunter doing the same with his waist. Neither of them wanted to let go. They missed each other that much.

"I-is this r-real…? Or a-am…I dreaming…a-again?" Felix said between sniffles.

Hunter squeezed him a little bit tighter and kissed his head. "This is all real, Kiddo."

"That's a relief," he sighed contently, still sniffling slightly. He wasn't even wondering how she was alive; he was just happy that she was. The two pulled apart and Hunter set him back down on his feet. He wiped the tears away from his cheeks and grinned.

"Check out my scar, Hunter!" He said, pulling up his shirt, obviously proud of his battle scar.

Hunter bent down on her knees to get a better look. It was a long scar that was just beginning to fade, right along the bottom of his stomach.

She whistled low, "That's a pretty awesome scar ya got, Kiddo. Ya know I've heard a lot of girls love scars. Even more than tattoos. Ya keep this up and you're gonna have girls flocking to ya."

His face scrunched up in confusion, "Why would I want girls flocking to me? That sounds kind of scary."

Ah youth.

Hunter shook her head with an amused smile before freezing. A shadow loomed above her. A calloused hand grasped her wrist and began to haul her upward. Before she could even react, she felt herself being dragged through the crowds. Hunter stumbled awkwardly, finding it difficult to regain her footing. She looked up to find that her Dad was the one dragging her along.

"Dad?"

Weaver didn't even spare her a glance, he just kept walking. He dragged her to a small military style tent. He released her wrist as soon as they were inside. Hunter rubbed her wrist, tears welling up in her eyes. Weaver stood with his back to her, shaking his head slowly.

"This isn't possible…" Weaver whispered to himself. "This isn't physically possible." He turned to face the girl claiming to be his daughter. This had to be some sort of trick. The aliens were screwing with his head.

"You're not my daughter," he said, narrowing his eyes slightly.

A look of surprise flashed across Hunters' face. "B-but Dad, it's me. Hunter!"

"I know what you're telling me," he replied harshly, making her flinch faintly. "But my daughter is dead! I held her in my arms as she died!" He squeezed his eyes shut, putting a stop to the tears that threatened to reveal themselves.

Hunter stood rigidly as she watched her fathers' hand hover over the pistol he kept on his hip. "Dad, ya have to believe me. I'm the real Hunter…I'm your daughter." Tears began to flow down her freckled cheeks. He didn't believe her. Why didn't he believe her?

Weaver watched her cry before him and his chest tightened. He wanted it to be true, but it's impossible for her to be alive…isn't it?

"Prove it," Weaver whispered.

Hunter looked at him with wide, tear-filled eyes. "What?"

He licked his lips and swallowed hard. "Prove to me that you're really her…please."

Hunter wiped the tears away from her cheeks quickly, trying to figure out how she was supposed to prove that she was really her. She shifted uncomfortably as she spoke.

"Well, I-I um…I remember how ya always used to call me Buttons 'cause I collected 'em. I used to rip 'em off clothes, stuffed toys…anything that had buttons really," Hunter chuckled a little at the memory. "I know that you're favourite song is 'All out of Love' by Air Supply and you've always been too embarrassed to admit it, but whenever ya got into the car you'd blast that song and sing at the top of your lungs."

Hunter smiled as she continued, "Every Saturday night would be our night to chill in the lounge and watch whatever sports was on that night. You'd have your big plate of double chocolate chip cookies on your lap and a glass of chocolate milk, and I'd have a juicy jam filled doughnut; you'd use to wear Mums' purple dressing gown 'cause, apparently, purple has always been your colour; every night before bed the four of us would curl up on the couch, watching whatever crap was on TV as we ate our bowls of ice-cream; no matter what you were doing, whenever a song came on that either you or Mum loved, the two of you would drop everything and just begin dancing with each other…just like the time in the supermarket."

As Hunter spoke, Weaver found himself smiling. She wasn't lying; this was real. She was real. Three months of grieving the loss of his daughter yet here she is, alive and well. Not being able to hold back any longer, he moved towards her, sobbing, and pulled her into a bear hug. Too tight for comfort, but too wonderful to matter.

"It's really you," he murmured into her hair. "You're alive…you're alive. I can't believe it…"

Hunters' POV

Fighting back tears and swallowing hard, I hugged him back just as tight. This was one of the rare times that I saw my Dad cry. He has always been a man with a tough exterior.

"It's ok, Dad. It's ok," I whispered into his chest.

He pulled back, his eyes red and puffy from crying, and took my face in his hands. "I thought I'd lost you, too. Holy Hell, Hunter, I was a wreck when you died. I didn't know how I'd continue to go on. First your Mum, then Sophia…you…"

"I'm here, Dad. I'm ok."

It was then that I saw the extent of his grief. He looked exhausted, worn to the bone, as if he hadn't had a good nights' sleep in years.

"You've lost weight," I said quietly. "Ya haven't been eating properly, have ya?"

Dad shook his head, "Don't worry 'bout me, sweetheart. Now, why don't ya tell me how in the hell you're alive."

I opened my mouth to speak but was stopped by someone entering the tent. That someone being none other than, Ben. This was the first time I've really looked at him since I got back. He was no longer that boy that I knew three months ago, he was now a man – tall and toned. It's amazing how much a person can change in such a short amount of time. His untidy mop of blonde hair had been chopped off and replaced by short spikes, making him look older than he really was. His eyes no longer held their usual childlike glimmer; they were serious and angry…cold.

Despite the changes, I found him absolutely…what's the word? Hot? No, that ain't it. Handsome? Close but no potato. Oh, I know…perfect. He was perfect, even with the blood stains splattered across his face.

Bens' gaze flicked to me, making my heart skip a beat, before going back to my Dad. "Captain, mind if I speak to Hunter for a sec?"

My Dad glanced at me from the corner of his eye before nodding once. He released his hold on me and left the tent, but not before patting Ben on the shoulder. The two of us were finally alone. For a moment we stood in silence, neither of us knowing what to do or say. The silence between was incredibly awkward. I'd never felt this way 'round him before, but then again this ain't the same Ben I used to play on the playground with back when we were at JFK High school. What? Sixteen year olds still enjoy playing on the jungle gym, ya know?!

"So…" I said, trying to break the tension. "I see ya cut your hair."

"I did," he said flatly.

My smile faltered a bit but I continued, "I like it. I think it really suits ya."

"Look, let's skip the small talk and get to the point."

I recoiled as though he'd slapped me, my cheeks feeling incredibly hot. He seemed to be pissed at me, but why? I got no clue.

"I don't know what ya want me to say here, Ben."

He bit his lower lip, clenched his fists and looked away.

"I-I'm sorry," I said, feeling a sharp twinge of pain in my heart.

"Sorry?" He repeated with an icy tone. "That's all you have to say!?"

I flinched as his voice rose.

"You've been dead for three months, Hunter! Three months! I saw you get shot! I watched them bury you! I mourned you for three months! My heart broke, thinking I'd never see you again! And then you suddenly just pop up out of thin air and the only thing you can come up with is 'sorry'!? I mean, come on, what the hell, Hunter?!"

Ben just looked angry, tears streaming down his face. Most likely from frustration. I was at a loss for words, and it seemed like he was too. Instead of saying anything; he grabbed the lantern of the table in the corner of the tent and smashed it against the ground, shattering the glass.

I flinched and closed my eyes, letting my own tears fall down my cheeks. I finally opened my eyes and noticed Ben breathing heavily. His eyes locked onto mine as he stormed towards me. Before I could react, his hands were wrapped tightly 'round my arms and his lips were pressed hard against mine. Wha-? I thought he was mad at me? My tensed body quickly went limp. It was deep and intense. It had been a while since I tasted his lips and they tasted delicious; just like peanut butter, as always. The feel of them left me weak in the knees and completely light-headed. And then it happened, the familiar feel of butterflies fluttering 'round in my stomach. I felt like I was back in the forest that night when I kissed him for the first time.

Ben pulled away, resting his forehead against mine, his eyes still closed.

"Do you have any idea how much I've missed you?" He whispered, slightly outta breath.

"As much as I've missed you, I hope," I whispered back, panting a little myself.

He opened his eyes and examined my face. I felt my cheeks flush under his intense gaze. He raised his hand and cupped my face, wiping away my tears with his thumb.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you," he said gently.

I shook my head, a small smile on my lips. "Don't worry 'bout it... Man, I still can't believe this is really happenin'."

"You can't? How do you think I feel? I thought I'd never see you again. I was going out of mind without you!"

I saw anger flash in his eyes while his body tensed. "And everybody else just went about their business as if nothing had happened. Like you never even existed! My Dad, Maggie, Matt and Hal, not once did they even mention your name!"

I placed my hand on his cheek, making him close his eyes and lean into my touch. He sighed.

"It was my fault you got shot."

I cocked my head to the side, frowning. "What are you talking 'bout?"

He grabbed my hand and pulled it away from his face, opening his eyes but avoiding my gaze. "If I hadn't had stormed out of the school that day, then you would've never have gotten shot."

I scoffed and shook my head in disbelief. "You're an idiot."

"Gee, thanks," he frowned.

"How the hell could ya possibly think that me getting shot was your fault? I pushed ya outta the way, so if anyone's to blame it's me."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why would you push me out of the way?"

I smiled gently, "I already told ya why. I did it 'cause I'm in love with you."

Ben didn't react. He remained silent.

I shifted my eyes away, suddenly feeling very embarrassed. Crap, was that too forward? Maybe he doesn't feel the same way anymore. Or what if he never loved me at all?! Did he just say it 'cause I was dying? I took a step back, feeling kinda crushed, only to be pulled back by Ben.

"Say that again," he said quietly.

I smiled to myself, immediately knowing what he wanted me to repeat. I stood up on my tiptoes, brushing my lips softly against his before whispering, "I love you, Ben Mason."

His lips came crashing down on mine before I even finished saying his name. Both of us smiled into the kiss. I never wanted this moment to end, but, as they say, all good things must come to an end, and it ended when we were rudely interrupted by some unwelcomed guests.

"Alright already!" My Dad yelled from the entryway. "Am I gonna have to get a bucket of water?"

Maggie stood next to him with her arms crossed, smirking. "A hose might be more appropriate."

"What the hell guys!? Ya ever hear of privacy?!" I hissed, feeling my face heat up from embarrassment. I glanced at Ben from the corner of my eye to find his face bright red as well, covering his mouth with his hand and staring at the floor.

"Oh I think the two of you have had more than enough privacy already," Dad said, folding his arms with a disapproving look. "No more privacy for you, young lady."

"Aw come on, Captain," Maggie smirked, walking towards me. "They're young, they're in love, let them enjoy it."

I could faintly hear a couple of curses slip outta my Dads' mouth, making me snigger. Maggie wrapped her arms 'round me and I wrapped mine 'round her.

"Nice to see you alive and kicking again, Hunter," she said, pulling away.

"Thanks, Mags. Turns out I'm even too stubborn to stay dead lately," I joked, earning a small laugh from the blonde.

It was only then that I noticed three other presences in the tent. Felix and Matt stood next to my Dad, looking just as adorable as ever, while Hal stood in the corner wearing a blank expression. He gave me a tiny wave but didn't say anything.

"What, no hug?" I grinned, holding out my arms and beckoning him over. He watched me for a few seconds before making his way over. He wrapped his arms 'round me and lifted me up in the bear hug of my life, twirling us 'round, and set me back on my feet.

"I missed my girl," he said, ruffling my hair.

I swatted his hands away, "hey, hey, come on, man. It took me ages to get this style."

He held his hands up in mock surrender, "ok, ok. Didn't know you cared so much about that stuff."

"A lady always takes pride in what she looks like," I stated matter-of-factly.

He raised his brow, his smirk growing, "since when did you become a lady?"

I smacked his arm playfully and he laughed, quickly grabbing me in a headlock and rubbing my hair again.

"Let me go ya big bully!" I squirmed, trying to break free from his iron grasp. With a laugh he released me and gave me a wink. I stuck my tongue out at him.

"So, Hunter…" Maggie said, sitting on the edge of the table. "I think it's time you told us how you're alive."

"Well to be honest, the aliens brought me back," I said, shaking my head slightly. Ok, so I'm not being honest. But I ain't about to tell 'em that my body healed itself! Even I still don't know the answer to that one.

"Why would they do that?" Hal asked.

"I really don't know. Tom attacked 'em before I got a chance to ask." Now that is the truth.

"Our Dad attacked the fish-heads?" Ben said, sounding impressed.

I nodded once, "sure did. Used their own weapon against 'em!"

"Go Dad!" Ben and Hal laughed.

My Dad looked at me thoughtfully, "we're gonna need the whole story, baby-girl."

"Alright, but it's a long one so get comfy." I sat on the ground and crossed my legs. Everyone got themselves comfortable. Ben sat down beside me and took my hand as I began to tell them what really happened.