Steve kept himself busy by folding the ladder in half. If they’d been here two weeks ago, he would have hugged Eden and told her anything was possible. But, after telling her about his sculptures, he was wary of getting close to her until he told her everything.
“You don’t have to remodel the house on your own,” he said. “I’ll help, and we can get some friends involved too. It’ll be more fun and cost a lot less.”
Tears filled Eden’s eyes, but she blinked them away, smiling gratefully. “Thanks, Steve. I appreciate your help.”
“I just have one important question,” he told her. “Where are you going to live while you’re doing the repairs? Will you stay with John and Shelley or move into The Welcome Center?”
“I’ll move into The Welcome Center,” Eden told him. “John and Shelley were amazing letting me stay an extra week with them, but I need to leave. I’ve only got a few suitcases, so it won’t be a big deal changing rooms. How long do you think the remodeling could take?”
Steve didn’t want to disappoint her any more than she already was, but he had to be realistic. “Depending on what you decide to do, it could be two or three months before the house is livable.”
“That’s not too bad,” Eden said with a forced optimism. “It’ll be worth it in the end.”
As they collected Rex from the backyard, Steve imagined what it would have been like if they’d bought the house together. Except, unlike Eden, he had a fairly good idea of what it would cost to fix all the issues. And, if he was being completely honest, it was the worst house anyone could have bought.
Eden stoodat the back of the classroom at the local elementary school, watching the students in Diana’s class.
She checked her watch for the hundredth time and took a deep breath. Volunteering in the school was good for her. The children were bright and eager to learn, and she enjoyed working alongside Diana.
Today, however, was different. The principal had announced a lockdown drill for the afternoon, and Eden couldn’t shake the anxiety bubbling inside her chest. She tried to focus on the lesson and helping Oscar with his math problems, but the anticipation of the drill loomed over her.
The bell rang, signaling the start of the moment she’d been dreading. Diana immediately sprang into action, her calm and composed movements a stark contrast to Eden’s rising panic.
“Okay, everyone, remember what we practiced,” Diana told the wide-eyed youngsters. “Quietly and quickly, move to our special corner and stay low.”
The children moved with surprising efficiency, huddling together in the corner of the room, their small faces filled with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness. Diana locked the door and pulled down the blinds, creating a dim and quiet space. Eden’s heart pounded in her chest as she sat beside Diana, trying to keep her breathing steady.
Diana reached out and held Eden’s hand. “You’re doing great,” she whispered.
As the principal’s voice came over the intercom, explaining that it was just a drill, the noise and chaos from her past flooded back. She remembered the terror and confusion of that day in Boston, the sound of gunshots coming closer, and the desperate attempt to protect her students. Her hands shook as she tried to push the memories away.
Oscar, noticing her distress, reached out and took her other hand. “Miss Taylor, are you okay?”
Eden forced a smile, squeezing his hand gently. “I’m okay, Oscar. Thank you for asking.”
Diana’s voice was a soothing anchor. “You’re all amazing. Just a few more minutes and then we can go back to our desks.”
Eden focused on Diana’s calm presence, drawing strength from her. She took a deep breath, reminding herself this was a drill, that they were safe. The children needed her to be strong, just as much as they needed Diana’s calming presence.
When the all-clear signal finally came, the relief was palpable. Diana unlocked the door and raised the blinds, letting in the afternoon light. “Great job, everyone. You handled that perfectly.”
The children resumed their activities, their laughter and chatter gradually filling the room again. Eden let out a shaky breath, her heart pounding against her chest.
Diana walked over and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You did well, Eden. These drills can be tough, but they’re important.”
Eden nodded, grateful for her understanding. “Thank you. It’s just... it brings back a lot of memories.”
“I understand,” Diana said softly. “I was surprised when you said you wanted to be here for it. How are you feeling?”
Eden held out her trembling hand. “A little wobbly, but I’ll be okay. I have to come to terms with what happened, and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it.”
“Well, if it’s any consolation, I think you did amazingly well.” Diana gave her a quick hug before helping a student with a math problem.
An hour later, as Eden packed up her things, she reflected on today’s experience. Despite the fear and panic, she’d managed to get through the drill. It would take time to manage the terror she sometimes felt, but being in the classroom again, helping the children, was a step in the right direction.
As she walked out of the school, Steve was waiting for her. Rex wagged his tail happily beside him.
She’d told Steve about the drill, and he’d insisted on meeting her after school finished. A wave of gratitude washed over her when she saw the kindness and worry in his gaze. She wasn’t alone in this journey. With friends like Steve, she knew she had the support she needed.
