Gravity Rises (S3)

AI: Part Thirteen

Mabel woke up groggy. That was to be expected, since she was still recovering from her time in the so-called moon. June had prescribed rest and plenty of sleep. Mabel didn't know how much opportunity she'd get to rest, since she and the other Symbols still needed to form the Cipher Wheel. But she'd try.

She shivered in the morning chill. She had gone to bed wearing multiple layers, but still, with the Museum's heating system running at half-capacity, the building was far colder than usual. But at least the system was running at all. After the barrier around town had appeared, Ford had brought multiple portable generators and plenty of fuel from his bunker to the Museum. It was helpful to have an uncle who stock-piled supplies in preparation for the apocalypse.

Her orange hoodie was bloody from last week, and they didn't really have a way to wash it. Mabel hoped they could save it; she loved that hoodie. But for now, she dressed in clean clothes and bundled up in a warm grey cardigan.

She had just finished getting ready when the door opened. "Good morning, Mabel," said Dipper, keeping his voice quiet. Mabel could still hear the happiness therein. "How are you feeling?"

Mabel shrugged. "Still tired. But my hand doesn't hurt anymore."

"Oh, good! Breakfast is ready if you want to come downstairs."

"Awesome." Mabel had eaten a meal late last night, but she was still starving.

"Oh, wait," Dipper said, "I have something for you! One sec." He went over to his side of the room and grabbed a blue and cream knit hat. "Ta-da! I knitted it for you! Fidds taught me how."

He held it out to her, and Mabel took it. "It's beautiful, Dip," she said. She put the hat on; it would help warm her ears in this cold house. "Thanks."

Dipper grinned and gave her a hug. She couldn't imagine how scared he'd been while she'd been gone. But she was back. She was okay.

The twins came slowly down the stairs, with Dipper matching Mabel's slow pace so he could help her walk if she needed it. She felt fine on her own, but she appreciated his closeness.

In the living room below, the three Valentino boys played a card game on the floor, and an unfamiliar woman sat on the couch, knitting a blanket. Mabel stopped halfway down the stairs and whispered, "Dipper, who is that?"

Dipper followed her gaze. "Oh, that's Gideon's mom. Good morning, Geneva," he called.

Geneva looked up and smiled at the twins. "Good morning."

When the twins got to the base of the stairs, Waddles came around the corner to meet them. "Morning, Waddles!" said Dipper, picking him up and squeezing him.

"Did he not sleep on your bed last night?" Mabel asked, realizing she hadn't seen the pig until now.

Dipper shook his head. "He's been spending a lot of time in the parlor. With. . ." He hesitated. "With Pacifica."

Mabel's heartbeat sped up. "She's here?"

"Yeah. She's a prisoner here. She's been helping Lee, since she can see his spirit without an amulet. But I don't know if. . . if she's willing to help with the Cipher Wheel. I've been avoiding her."

The Museum suddenly seemed three sizes too small. It was good to have all ten Symbols together, but — Pacifica? She'd — she'd tried to murder Mabel!

"You said she was in the parlor?" Mabel said, resolving never to go there.

"That's where she sleeps, yeah. She comes out to the kitchen to get food, but not with the rest of us. Melody can make sure you never run into her if you ask."