“Of course he did,” Maya said with a smile. “If you have any more questions, let me know, okay?”
Hope stared down at the bed and then said, “Do you see it in your mind? Over and over?”
“See what?” Maya asked.
“Abigail getting shot.”
Maya took a deep breath. She understood PTSD and how sometimes memories flashed nonstop. Or they’d hit you at a moment you weren’t expecting. Something unexpected might trigger a flashback. Maya had worked hard to manage her trauma. “I see that. And other things too. I don’t know what you know about me, but I served in the marines and went to Afghanistan.”
“Whoa, that’s badass. I mean, that’s dope.”
Maya smiled at Hope trying to correct her language. “It is in that I was able to serve my country. But it isn’t in that I saw a lot of difficult things like watching my friends die. I came home with what’s called PTSD. You ever hear of it?”
Hope shook her head.
“PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder comes from events like what we just witnessed. I’m sure a therapist would give you a better explanation,” Maya said.
“I don’t want to go to a therapist,” Hope said.
“You’re stubborn, just like me, but you know what? I wouldn’t be better today or able to do what I do without therapy. That can help with those images that haunt you because honestly they won’t go away very easily... if ever. I go to a support group and do a session with my therapist at least once a week. I had to learn that it was okay to say I wasn’t all right. That’s what’s actually badass,” Maya said, glancingat Isabelle hoping that she didn’t mind the language. But she thought it would help get through to Hope better. She pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket. “Here’s my personal number. If you need to talk anytime, give me a call, okay?”
Hope took the paper and stared at it like it was going to give her answers. She finally looked up and said, “Okay. You really think I have that PT whatever thing?”
“I’m not qualified to diagnose you,” Maya said. “But with what you went through and saw, there’s a good chance you might. But I’m proof you can learn to overcome and manage it. I’ll be honest, it never goes away, but it can get better. Call me anytime, okay? And let your mom take you to a therapist. It’s sometimes easier to talk to someone who’s not family.”
“Okay. What about Juniper? Can I see her at some point? Meet your other dog too?”
“Of course. Your mom and uncle and I will keep in touch and you can come over before you leave.”
“That’s fire.”
Maya smiled. “I’m not up on the latest slang, but I’ll go with fire and dope being good things.”
“They are,” Hope said.
“We’re going to head out. We have some things to follow up on, but we’ll see you before you go,” Maya said.
Hope smiled and nodded. Maya gave Isabelle and Nick another hug.
Josh spoke up and said, “How about a barbecue at our house tomorrow? Can everyone come?”
Maya tilted her head, realizing she was mimicking her dog. This was unusual for Josh, but she was up for it.
“We can,” Nick said, then he turned to Josh. “I’ll make burgers and brats. Sound good?”
“That sounds great,” Maya said. She swore she saw Nick wink at Josh, but she was also so tired, she wasn’t certain. “Did you guys really bond or something?”
Josh said, pushing her out in front of him, “We bonded while looking for you.”
Maya wanted a better answer, but as she took in Josh’s expression, she knew she wasn’t going to get one.
Chapter Fifty-Three
Maya and Josh drove to the sheriff’s office. The air seemed clearer although there was still some haze as the sun set. The fire had moved away from town and the firefighters were able to hold the line keeping it from threatening any other inhabited areas. Hopefully they’d be able to contain it soon.
Maya was glad this day was almost over. To say it had been long was an understatement. Josh still seemed nervous, but less so. He’d been awfully quiet. Maya pulled into a parking space, but didn’t get out.
“You good?” she asked.
