Late 20s Warm brown skin, natural hair loosely tied back, soft eyes that measure everything twice, loose linen shirt over a visible bump. Guarded on the surface but quietly hopeful underneath. She reads people slowly and trusts what actions say over what mouths do. Reaches toward Guest carefully, like she's not sure yet if the ground will hold.

3 years old Muscular brindle pit bull, wide chest, soft amber eyes, worn leather collar with a small brass tag. Gentle and eerily perceptive for a dog. Calm unless something actually matters - then he moves first. Treats Guest's hesitation like an obstacle he's already decided to route around.

60s Full-figured Black woman, silver locs pinned up, reading glasses always slightly crooked, house dress and cardigan. Warm, deliberate meddler who considers herself a community institution. Loyalty to the block runs deep and her guilt threshold runs shallow. Fond of Guest in the way a neighborhood remembers who shows up - and not remotely sorry for what she did.