Return to Falls

Chapter 27

Despite no physical changes, the world as everyone knew it was reduced to nothing. The gaping hole that was carved into the hearts of the citizens of Gravity Falls was replaced with a painful sorrow. Mornings no longer symbolized a new beginning, but rather another tally on the list of days since. The sun shined, but there was no light. No heat. Nothing. Even after two months, the people still haven't moved on. Most days were spent in silence, thinking back on what used to be and what could've been.

Those closest to Dipper were taking it the hardest, much to everyone's expectations. If there had to be one person at the top of the list of people suffering, it was Mabel. Their summer vacation was coming to an end and they'd soon have to leave, but Dipper was still gone. Over the last few weeks, she's barely eaten anything, hasn't gone outside, and wouldn't even leave her room unless there was news about her brother. Her appearance was extremely pale and sickly—a polar opposite to the beautiful and matured teenager she looked like when she arrived back in June.

Ford and McGucket worked day-in and day-out on researching ways to free Dipper from his captivity. Several attempts were made, machines built, even magic spells conjured up. All failures.

Did those failures stop them from trying? No. Did they discourage them and throw any hope they had back out the window from whence it came? Absolutely.

Grunkle Stan and Ford never had kids of their own. They were both too busy doing their own thing, and given their history together, it wouldn't have worked out anyway. Not having kids, however, didn't excuse them from feeling the impact of the loss of their great nephew. To them, it was like losing their son. Stan blamed himself; for the second time in his life he lost someone he loved dearly. Ford cursed himself for allowing Dipper to get involved in something so dangerous. Had he not been a glutton for knowledge, all would be well.

"Any luck?" Stan asked, passing by his brother and friend as they worked in the kitchen.

"None." Ford replied. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued working.

Stan rubbed his eyes and grunted. Without looking up, he asked Wendy to bring dinner up to Mabel's room. Even if she didn't touch it, he still wanted to make sure she at least had the option.

For once, she agreed without back-talk or mumbling a complaint. Taking the tray of food from Soos, she slowly walked up the stairs to the hallway Mabel's room was in. As much as she didn't want to bother her heartbroken friend and surrogate sister, she knew things were getting worse for her medically.

Her hand hovered in front of the door for a moment before gently knocking against it. "Mabel? Are you all right? I have dinner for you. I don't really know how it tastes since I haven't had any yet, but Mr. Pines--uh, your Grunkle wants you to eat. . . I'm just gonna leave the tray by your door. If you feel hungry, please eat."

Wendy placed the tray of food down on the old wooden floor in front of the door. Curiosity kept telling her to peek inside the room, but self control prevented her from doing so. She leaned in close to the door and whispered, "Hey. . . I know how you feel. You and Dipper: you two are the loves of my life. You're just as much family to me as my actual family. I want him back, too. Badly. Your Grunkle Ford and the old man have been working every day for the past month. And you know what—I think they're going to find a solution. . . One of these days. We'll get him back, girl. I promise."

Wendy turned around and went back downstairs when she received not even a sound from Mabel's side of the door.

Stan tried not to look too stressed, but couldn't hide the worried look he sported, "D'she take it?" Wendy shook her head. Stan continued, "I'm worried about that girl." The frustration in his voice didn't go unnoticed. It wasn't towards anyone in particular, but to their circumstances. He was in a hopeless position, unable to save his great nephew or his niece.