Late the next night, Mallory goes to the Maxwells' pool to continue Russell's exercise plan. The dark yard and nearby woods make her uneasy, and while she is struggling through laps she hears a crack and footsteps coming from the forest toward her cottage. Ted arrives for a late swim, shares the lane with her, and gives her practical advice that immediately improves her stroke. When Ted notices the tattoo on Mallory's hip, Mallory privately thinks about Isaac and the reckless period of addiction that led her to get it.

Another noise from the woods interrupts them, and Mallory says she has heard things outside her cottage at night. Ted dismisses the sounds as rabbits or teenagers, then shifts the conversation to Mitzi. After learning about Mallory's visit, Ted says he does not trust Mitzi's psychic business and suspects she may be dealing drugs, so he warns Mallory to stay away from her. Mallory promises to be careful, though she does not share Ted's certainty.

Before Mallory can leave, Caroline comes across the yard and asks whether Mallory received a call from Teddy's school. Mallory realizes she forgot to pass along the principal's message because Teddy's strange drawing distracted her, and Caroline sharply rebukes her, saying Teddy could lose his kindergarten spot if deadlines are missed. Ted tries to smooth things over and says Caroline is really angry at the school, but he talks over Mallory when she starts to mention Teddy's drawing, then hurries back to the house.

Back in the cottage, Mallory hears footsteps outside her window again, then something moves along the wall and crawls under the cottage. Refusing to call the Maxwells for help after upsetting Caroline, Mallory finds a floor access panel, pries it open, and looks into the crawl space. She at first thinks the creature is gone, then sees a large snarling animal below and screams before slamming the panel shut and holding it down.

Caroline and Ted rush in and hear the animal thrashing beneath the floor. Ted goes outside with a pitcher of water and quickly drives it out, then returns to report that it was a possum that entered through a rotten gap in the lattice. Caroline insists Ted nail the hatch shut immediately so nothing can get in again, then she makes tea and stays with Mallory until she calms down. The night ends with the three of them talking and laughing together, easing the tension from Caroline's earlier scolding even as Mallory's sense of vulnerability in the cottage deepens.