Allison, after a long stay at the creek, feels the pull of home and comfort food — hot fried chicken and mac and cheese. As she prepares to leave, she encounters Thimble, a mysterious raccoon who conveys a sense of reverence and understanding in her stillness. Their interaction is marked by a strange shimmer that distorts the air, leaving Allison questioning her reality. Riding her bike home, familiar paths feel warped by her encounter, and thoughts of the Dreamspace and the figure in the shimmer swirl in her mind. Despite her unease, she resolves to stick to her routine, showcasing her resilience against the backdrop of the unsettling experience. The blend of magical realism and mundane routine paints a vivid picture of her inner conflict and curiosity about the mysterious world she has stumbled into.