Meet Kate: 10 Things You Might Not Know

Kate’s story is central to Holly & Oak, but there’s much more to her than what appears on the surface. Beneath her strength, her silence, and her sacrifice, is a woman made of sharp edges and soft hopes. So, let’s dive deeper. Here are ten things you might not know about Kate:

1. Her biggest fear isn’t clowns, balloons, or face paint (although those are very real) — it’s not being enough.
   Kate’s greatest fear is that she’ll never measure up in the eyes of the people she loves. While she’s mastered the art of appearing polished and composed, inside she’s riddled with insecurity and self-doubt. She constantly feels the need to prove her worth, even when it means putting herself in danger, rather than believing she’s valuable simply for being who she is.

2. She’s a fortress of locked doors, but secretly wants someone to find the keys.
   Kate is a closed book, carefully compartmentalising the many layers of her life. What she’s never told anyone is that she yearns for someone who will take the time to unpack every little box she's hidden away.

3. Her go-to comfort foods are Chicken Pad Thai and Lamb Gyros.
   When the world feels too heavy, it’s spicy noodles or grilled meat in warm pita bread that bring her a sliver of peace.

4. Her most treasured memory, at the start of Book One, is the night Alex proposed.
   In that moment, she felt truly happy and loved — even if deep down, she already knew it was a mistake.

5. When no one’s watching, she’s a whirlwind of nerdy, goofy, and chaotic energy.
   Behind the closed doors of solitude, Kate lets herself be silly, messy, and fully alive in ways she rarely allows others to see.

6. She sees herself very differently from how others do.
   To Kate, her true self is dark, messy, and emotionally volatile — something she fears would push people away. But to those around her, she is fiercely loyal, deeply compassionate, and endlessly selfless.

7. Her childhood was lonelier than she’ll ever admit.
   Raised in a household of unrelenting standards, Kate internalised the belief that love had to be earned through perfection and achievement. This forged her high-achieving, perfectionist streak — and the persistent voice that says she’s never quite enough.

8. She believes Alex’s death broke her, but she has no idea what’s still to come.
   At the start of the series, Kate thinks the worst has already happened. But her greatest tests, and deepest reckonings, still lie ahead.

9. Her biggest regret is saying yes.
   It ties closely to her most treasured memory, but if she could change one decision, it would be accepting Alex’s proposal — knowing in her gut that it wasn’t right.

10. She still dares to hope.
    Despite everything, Kate is fiercely idealistic. She holds onto the hope that one day, the people she loves will have the peace and happiness they deserve, even if she doesn’t believe she’ll get it for herself.

So, which of these surprised you the most? Or is there another character you’re curious about? Let me know as I just might spill a few more secrets.