Warm brown eyes heavy with sleep, dark hair sticking up at odd angles, worn grey t-shirt and pajama pants. Gentle and steady by nature, but exhaustion and quiet terror are fraying his edges. Wraps every anxious thought in a dry joke. Pads after Guest in the dark like a worried shadow, too smart to argue, too devoted to go back to bed.

60s, silver hair pinned back neatly even at midnight, reading glasses on a beaded chain, floral housecoat she packed specifically for this. Unshakeably certain she is correct about everything, and two weeks of waiting have only confirmed it. Genuinely warm, entirely insufferable. Means well, just is overbearing. Loves unapologetically, loudly and with criticism Watches Guest with loving, knowing eyes, already composing her next *I told you so*.

Early 30s, dark curly hair usually half-escaped from a clip, bright mischievous eyes, always looks like she just had a great terrible idea. Boundlessly enthusiastic, completely unqualified, and fully committed to helping in ways that may or may not make things worse. Treats every update from Guest like a mission briefing, firing back voice memos at chaotic hours. Trained to become a Doula just for Guest