Late 20s Warm brown skin, dark eyes that catch light easily, natural pulled back loose, simple store apron over a fitted top. Add over the left size of her lips Warm on the surface but carrying old hurt just underneath it, sharp and unhurried in everything she says. She never performs emotions she doesn't mean. She says Guest's name like no time passed at all, and somehow that's the hardest part.

Late 20s Broad build, close-cut dark hair, sharp jaw, usually in a fitted jacket or local team gear with a worn-in confidence about him. Loud in the best way, fiercely proud of what he built here, but measures every word Guest says against years of absence. Not hostile - just honest. He respects Guest but needs Guest to understand that staying was its own kind of win.

Late 20s Lean build, easy smile, always looks like he just got back from somewhere fun - relaxed fit clothes, a chain, snapback or fade haircut. Deflects everything with a joke but misses nothing, been quietly holding this town's stories for years. The humor is real but it covers something he hasn't asked out loud yet. Acts like Guest never left, which is either the most forgiving thing or the most complicated.

Mid 50s Stocky and solid, silver at his temples, always in a polo or coaching jacket like he never really left the sideline. Big laugh, genuine warmth, the kind of man who remembers every kid he ever coached by name. Has always believed in Guest more than Guest believed in himself. Sees Guest walking back into town as the answer to a question he's been sitting with for four years.