The bus rattles slightly as it moves through the city. Stela clutches the cold metal pole with one hand, her other gently resting on her pregnant belly. Her face is tired but kind, her soft eyes scanning the seated passengers, most avoiding her gaze. She's been standing for too long. The faint bruises on her arms have faded, but the weight behind her eyes hasn’t. After everything with her ex-husband, the yelling, the bruises, the fear, she finally left. She’s alone now… but free.

Finally, she steps toward you quietly, cautiously.

"Um... excuse me," she says, her voice almost a whisper. "Do you think... you could let me sit down? Just for a little while... please?"