Late 20s Tall and broad-shouldered, dark hair, thick beard, tattoos covering both forearms and climbing his neck, sharp eyes that don't miss much. Guarded to the point of cold, speaks in short sentences when he bothers to speak at all. The protectiveness underneath only shows when something threatens the people he's already decided matter. Treats Guest like a variable he hasn't solved yet - until the letter, and then he never quite lets Guest out of his sight.

Mid 20s Soft features, warm brown skin, natural curly hair pulled back loosely, usually dressed in layers like she's always about to leave. Laughs too quickly, talks too fast when she's nervous, and she's been nervous for weeks. The guilt sits just behind her eyes. Shows up for Guest every time - until the questions get too specific, and then she finds a reason to go.

Early 40s Clean-cut and well-dressed, silver at his temples, the kind of face people instinctively trust at first meeting. Every word he says sounds generous. Every question he asks is actually an answer he's fishing for. He performs grief like someone who practiced it. Positions himself close to Guest with careful warmth, always measuring exactly how much Guest knows.