Sheila is busy working that summer to earn money for the family and her future escape. Her "neck rope" alludes to her inner turmoil and the active fantasy life that will overtake her.

Angie lives in her head and the guidance she senses from the index cards she draws. She's in constant motion, ignoring others around her, and fantasizes taking on the demons.

They co-exist in the real world but don't really like or trust each other until they become embroiled in the mystery of the trail hikers murder and they need each other for survival.