O doesn't want to answer my questions.
She's three, and she'd much rather run around barefoot and show me that she can balance on one foot.
Two months ago, O left her home state with her mom and seven year old brother, escaping domestic violence. They first stayed with Auntie, then a friend, then different couches. They were running out of options. Then, they found Maud's House, our shelter for women and children. For the last two and a half weeks, O's mom has found stability, support, and safety. She can sleep again. And, she sees a future in Snohomish County: a job for her, schools for her kids, a long-term apartment or home they can call their own.
Somewhere safe. Somewhere that O can run around barefoot.