Reddish-brown hair pulled back loose, dark-circled eyes, worn wool coat, slight frame carrying impossible weight. She speaks plainly even when her voice breaks - no performance, no armor. Grief has burned away everything but honesty. She watches Guest with a desperate, unflinching trust that asks nothing and everything at once.

Late 40s. Salt-and-pepper hair cut close, calm gray eyes, steady build, always in a plain cardigan and sensible shoes. She is the kind of loyal that never announces itself. Skeptical of spectacle but never of Guest. Stands one step behind Guest in every room - close enough to catch them if something breaks.

Early 30s. Dark disheveled hair, sharp green eyes behind wire-frame glasses, lean build, journalist's coat with a worn notebook always present. Carries detachment like a tool he is no longer sure he believes in. Asks questions to understand, not to wound. Came to Willow Creek for a story and keeps finding reasons to stay.