Did you miss me?

Chapter 5

Ford had been in the hospital for a few days, and Stan stayed by his side the entire time — the doctors couldn't convince him to leave. Meanwhile, Dipper was consumed with finding a way to restore Ford's vision. He didn't sleep, barely drank any water, and ignored the meals Mabel brought him. This was his fault, and he was desperate to fix it... somehow.

"Dipper... you need to sleep... or at least eat?" Mabel urged, holding up a plate. "Not now, Mabel." She watched as Dipper glided across the floor in a rolling chair to grab some strange ingredient. "Please, Dipper! You need to—" "Leave me alone, Mabel. I'm trying to focus." Dipper carefully added two drops of the liquid from a dropper. "Dipper! He's already blind! You can't sacrifice your health over this! I miss him too, but you're being irrational!" Dipper paused at Mabel's sudden outburst. "How dare you?! Do you have any idea how terrifying it is to not be able to see those you love? To see nothing at all? It's horrifying! And Great Uncle Ford is going through that because of me!" He turned to glare at Mabel, his face twisted with pure hatred. Though it wasn't directed specifically at her, it was a look that frightened her.

"Dipper... it's not your fault—" "YES, IT IS!" Dipper stepped closer, bending down slightly to meet her gaze. "Get out." "B-But Dipper—" His eyes flickered a bright yellow for just a moment... or was that just Mabel's imagination? Dipper normally had brown eyes. "I SAID GET OUT!" Mabel nodded fearfully and hurried into the elevator. Why was Dipper acting so strangely? She wiped her cheeks. Was she crying?

Dipper sighed as he watched Mabel disappear into the elevator. She just didn't understand... He needed to maximize every moment he had. He had to find a way to cure Ford... to amend his mistake. Of course, Mabel wouldn't get it; she was convinced they had defeated Bill, so to her, Dipper was overreacting. Tears streamed down Dipper's face as he stared at the papers and flask before him. He knew this might not work, but he had to try. 

Hours passed, and eventually, he finished. He hurried upstairs to find Mabel and apologize for yelling; he hadn't meant to hurt her—he just... snapped. As he reached the stairs, he saw Mabel coming down in a glittery dress, her hair neatly styled, a purse slung over her shoulder. "Oh! Dipper! I was just coming to get you. I'm sorry about earlier; I know this is hard for you but—" "Why are you all dressed up?" Dipper's voice trembled as he remembered the date. Today was supposed to be the reunion party Mabel had planned. She couldn't possibly still be holding it after what happened to Ford...

"For the party, of course! It should take everyone's mind off—" "You're still having it?!" "Yes, of course." Dipper looked into her eyes. "How could you? How could you celebrate at a time like this?!" "I just wanted to—" But Dipper didn't wait for an explanation. He turned and stormed out. He couldn't believe her. How could she be so insensitive? Their uncle is blind and she throws a party?! Their uncle was blind, and she was throwing a party? Dipper slammed the front door behind him and rushed to the hospital, gripping the vial of liquid tightly as he ran.

"Great Uncle Ford!" Dipper burst into the room, startling both Ford and Stan. "Dipper—" "Try this." Dipper gently applied the liquid over Ford's eyes. "What are you doing, kid?" Stan stood up to intervene, but it was too late. "Dipper? What is this? It smells sweet but feels like water..." Ford lightly touched the liquid on his face. "Don't worry, Uncle. I... I just hope it works... it has to work!" Dipper clutched Ford's hand, trying to steady his breathing after all the running. "What? What are you talking about?" Stan reached out to Dipper, confused by his exhaustion and Ford's calm demeanor. 

"It... didn't work..." Dipper's hopeful smile vanished. "It didn't work..." He repeated it softly. "I'm so sorry. I failed..." Ford smiled gently. "It's alright, Dipper. It's okay; I'll be home soon." He tightened his grip on Dipper's hand, trying to comfort him. "It's okay... it's okay." Dipper murmured. Stan watched Dipper with concern. "Kid..." Stan placed a hand on Dipper's shoulder. Dipper looked up, forcing a wide smile, though his eyes were dull. "It's okay, Grunkle Stan. I'll just keep trying until I figure it out!" He chuckled softly. "I'll figure it out. I have weeks... months even. I will find a cure." Stan gave the boy a concerned look. What could he say? "Dipper... don't put so much pressure on yourself. It's alright." Dipper glanced back at Ford, his smile softening. "You're right. Everything will be okay." He hugged Ford before leaving the room, determined to keep trying.

The next day, Ford returned to the Mystery Shack with Stan. Dipper offered Ford his room since it was simple and on the ground floor, making it easier for Ford to navigate while Dipper attended to him. Dipper still denied his body of proper sleep but he ate with Ford whenever he brought food for the man. When Dipper wasn't with Ford, he was in the lab. After multiple failed attempts, his body was finally too exhausted to work with only 2 to 3 hours of sleep and Stan managed to convince him to rest properly.

However, once he regained his energy, Dipper dove back into searching for a cure for Ford. He felt so useless... This was his fault. All because he couldn't keep his damn mouth shut about— the flower! Ford had said it was powerful... maybe if Dipper could figure out what it could do and how to unlock its power, he could heal Ford! "Good job, Pinetree. But how will you do that?" Dipper jumped at the voice and turned to see Bill sitting on Ford's desk—the desk he had used for nearly two weeks.

"Why are you here?!" Dipper demanded. Bill chuckled, floating closer. "Do you want the clues or not?" Dipper gulped, taking a step back. "W-What do you want in return? I'm not making a deal with—" "I don't want a deal." Dipper studied Bill closely, sensing there was a catch. "No tricks. Promise." Bill crossed his fingers behind his back. "I don't trust you... I'll figure this out on my own." Dipper narrowed his eyes at the dream demon. "Very well. But if you change your mind... I'm just a shout away! Bye, kid!" Dipper exhaled deeply, only now realizing that he had been holding his breath. Now... where could he find information about this? It was ancient... maybe he could start with the gnomes?