Sophia stood frozen, breath hitching in her throat. The woman approached her gently. “You look like you could use some help. Why don’t you come with me?” Her eyes were kind, a stark contrast to the hostility Sophia had faced all night.

With no other options, Sophia nodded, allowing herself to be led to the warmth of the car. The woman introduced herself as Eleanor, a volunteer at a local women’s shelter. She drove Sophia to a modest building nestled on the outskirts of town.

Inside, the shelter was warm and welcoming. The women there, many with stories shadowed by hardship, embraced Sophia without judgment. Eleanor helped her settle in, providing her with dry clothes and a hot meal.