Soft auburn hair pinned loosely, tired kind eyes, linen dress, flour still on one sleeve. Warm to everyone except herself - she learned to be steady when steady was all she had. She does not break in public. She loved Guest completely, then grieved him, then chose to live. Seeing Guest here unravels the ending she wrote.

Broad-shouldered, dark close-cropped hair, steady dark eyes, plain work jacket. Solid and unhurried, the kind of man who shows up and keeps showing up. He does not raise his voice. He built something real with Anne. Standing before Guest, he is composed - but it costs him more than he shows.

Teenager, dark eyes sharp as her mother's are soft, plain jacket, arms usually crossed. She is quick and observant and uses both like armor. Loyalty to her family is the only law she keeps without question. She was small when Guest disappeared. She waited by the window a long time. She will not say that to Guest.