Katie is introduced in the novel by her first name only. It isn’t until nearly the end of the novel that the reader learns Katie’s last name is Feldman. However, just before learning this, the reader discovers that her name is Erin, not Katie. Katie/Erin is on the run from an abusive husband and has taken the name of a friend’s deceased daughter to start her life over.

At first, Katie is quiet and reserved, refusing to let anyone get close to her. As time passes, she lets a few people in. First there is Jo, her friendly neighbor. There is Kristen, the sweet little girl who hangs out at the little store down the street. Finally, there is Alex, the man who is just as awkward and shy as she is, but who seems equally in need of a friend. Katie clearly has a fear of men, as seen in her refusal to initially look Alex in the eye and her reluctance to engage in something as simple as small talk with him. However, she is also lonely and eager to live what she considers a more normal life.

Katie’s secrets are slowly revealed in her conversations with Jo and later in her interactions with Alex.