Steve’s tiny home, nestled on the edge of the tiny home village, gave Owen a sense of peace, even when he’d battled depression and intense periods of loneliness. He didn’t know if it was because the house was small, or because it was part of a project that protected the most vulnerable people in the community.
The tiny home village continued to be one of the church’s major projects. The first few homes were built as part of a trial to see if they’d make a difference to people who suffered from chronic homelessness. The resounding success of the wraparound support system had encouraged Pastor John to expand the project until there were more than twenty-five homes. Each of the houses gave the residents something they’d never had—a warm, safe, and permanent place to call home.
Owen knocked on Steve’s door. His friend answered almost immediately, his expression turning from surprise to concern.
“Hi, Owen. What’s up?” Steve asked as he moved aside to let Owen in.
Owen stepped into the cozy interior, the warmth enveloping him like a welcome hug. Taking a deep breath, he searched for the right words. “There was an accident,” he began, his voice steadier than he felt. “A shuttle bus ran off the road. Harper and I went with Zac to help.”
Steve frowned as he motioned for Owen to sit down. “Was it bad?”
Taking a seat on a chair, Owen held onto the worn fabric arms to stop his hands from shaking. “No one died, but it wasn’t good. Two people were trapped in the bus and a teenager had serious injuries. Six other people had to be taken to the hospital in Polson. Harper and Zac were incredible, but…” He trailed off, the images flooding back.
Steve sat opposite him. “But what? Talk to me.”
“I had a hard time separating what happened today with the shooting.” Owen hesitated, struggling to put his feelings into words. “When the fire department arrived, their flashing lights took me right back to the day my partner died.”
Steve leaned forward, his eyes locked on Owen’s. “It’s normal to feel that way.”
Owen felt the weight of the day press down on him. “That’s what I keep telling myself, but it was more than a normal reaction. Nothing’s triggered my PTSD for a long time. I thought I was getting better, but it’s still there.”
“You were able to help in a situation that a lot of people would have struggled with.”
“I guess, but it was a close call. Every siren and every shout was like being back at the mall.” Owen’s voice was barely above a whisper now, the memories threatening to consume him.
Steve was silent for a moment. “You’ve come a long way since you left Detroit. You could’ve stayed behind when Harper and Zac drove to the accident, but you wanted to help.”
He considered Steve’s words. “I didn’t want to let Harper down. She’s dealing with her own issues from working in the hospital.”
“You’re still going through a lot, too.”
Owen ran his hand around the back of his neck. “I don’t want her to worry about me.”
Steve frowned. “You worry about someone because you care about them.”
Closing his eyes, Owen took a deep breath. Harper meant the world to him. It had been so long since anyone apart from his family and friends had been that close to him and it felt strange. “I guess I’d better get used to being in a relationship.”
Steve smiled. “Considering Harper’s your girlfriend, I’d say that’s something you’ll want to focus on. WhereisHarper, anyway? I thought she’d be with you.”
“She had to go home to look after Benjamin.”
Standing upright, Steve headed over to the compact kitchen. “Talking about being looked after, can I get you a hot drink? I bought a special blend of coffee from the general store yesterday.”
“I won’t say no,” Owen told him. “Did you get the email about the church’s pet adoption day?”
“I did. I thought I’d see if there are any dogs available.”
Owen looked around the cluttered interior of the tiny home. “This place is too small for a dog.”
Steve grinned. “Plenty of people in the village have small dogs. I could adopt a Chihuahua.”
For the first time since he’d left the accident, Owen laughed. Steve was almost six foot four. A Chihuahua would barely reach his ankles. “I’d love to see you taking it for a walk.”
“I’m an equal opportunities kind of guy,” Steve said with a gleam in his eyes. “Even little dogs need someone to love them.”
Owen couldn’t argue with that. As they talked about what was happening in Sapphire Bay, a sense of calm settled on him. If tonight had taught him anything, it was that he was able to do more than he thought he could.
And thanks to Harper and Zac, it was more than he’d done in a long time.
