I think I was over complicating it.

__init__.py

@@ -420,19 +420,12 @@ def display_text(text):
         time.sleep(0.001)
 
 def messagebox(text):
-    speakMessage = True
     while True:
-        if speakMessage:
         speak(text + "\nPress any key to repeat or enter to continue.")
-
         event = pygame.event.wait()
         if event.type == pygame.KEYDOWN:
-            if event.key == pygame.K_RETURN:
+            if event.key == pygame.K_ESCAPE or event.key == pygame.K_RETURN:
                 return
-            else:
-                speakMessage = True
-
-        if event.key == pygame.K_UP: speakMessage = False
 
 def learn_sounds(sounds):
     loop = True