Reticulated

Where did you sleep last night?

My girl, my girl,

Don't lie to me

Tell me where did you sleep last night?

In the pines, in the pines,

Where the sun don't ever shine,

I would shiver the whole night through.

- Where Did You Sleep Last Night, Nirvana

Ten minutes later Tim is pounding on Jack and Ray's door. The minute and half it takes for Jack to get up and open the door is painful. "Where does she live?" he asks immediately, giving him no room to inquire as to why he was causing such a fuss so late at night.

"What? Who?"

"Allie. Where does she live?"

"Tim, its nearly 2:30 in the morning."
"I have to talk to her. It's important. Where does she live?"

He can tell that Jack is slightly disgruntled, though he tries to hide it with a smile. "I don't think she'll think it's nearly as important as you do at 2:30."

"Jack, it's an emergency." He's too panicked to try and find another way to explain this to him. He hopes his urgency will be enough to convince him.

Thankfully, Jack sighs and gives in. "From the hotel, go left until you reach the outskirts of town. There's a fork at the end of the road, go right and keep going into the trees for a bit. Her's is the first shack you'll see – it's on the left."

"Thank you," Tim breathes, whirling on his heel and hurrying back to his car. When he finally arrives at her place, he practically leaps out of the vehicle before he's put it into park. He doesn't see It anywhere outside.

"Allison!" he calls, running up to the door and slamming his fist against it. It's been nearly 20 minutes since he's seen the video.

How long has it been since it's been made?

Inside, Tank begins barking.

"C'mon boy, get her up." He knocks again. "Allison!" He hears nothing over Tank's barking. He closes his eyes tightly and wraps his hand around the door handle.

"That easy, huh?" Jay asks incredulously.

"Shh, don't jinx it, it'll never happen again."

It's a goddamn miracle. The door opens with a creak straight out of a horror movie, but it opens. He makes a mental note to chew her out for not locking her door at night in the same moment he notices with relief that the abomination is gone.

He moves to step forward into the shack, but Tank is immediately up on his feet lunging at him, snarling and snapping his jaws. He doesn't go for Tim, but the rigid stance and giant teeth guarding Allie is enough to make him pause. Despite the cute floppy ear, Tank's demeanor is vicious.

"It's okay, Tank – it's okay! I won't hurt her." He offers his palm again, unsure if this will sway him. Tim's never had a dog. He doesn't know how they function – not really.

Thankfully, behind her fierce protector, Allie begins to stir. Tank retreats to her position, washing her face with his tongue, prompting a wince. Tim approaches slowly, despite a look of caution thrown his way. He holds up his hands. "Like I said, I'm not gonna hurt her."