A terrified scream snapped Dipper out of his sleep. He recognized the scream as his sister, since he, unfortunately, had heard it many times during the night these past few weeks. He looked over to see Mabel hugging her knees and hyperventilating. Dipper immediately went over to her and put his arms around her. "Mabel, shh, shh, it's okay...I'm here sis, I'm here now."

They heard rapid footsteps coming up the stairs. The door opened, and their great-uncles appeared. They looked in sadly on their niece in the middle of a panic attack. They simply sat on either side of Mabel and each took one of her hands.

"Deep breaths, Mabel," said Ford. "Remember the techniques."

"It was just a nightmare, sweetie," Stan soothed. "Just a nightmare. You're safe. We're here...he's gone sweetie. He's gone and he ain't coming back."

Only a few weeks earlier, Mabel had to stand trial for a horrid crime in which she was nearly raped and murdered by a boy named Brad Edwards. Since then, she's been trying to recover emotionally from the trauma, including going to therapy with Tad Strange.

Mabel struggled to get her breathing under control as she gripped each of her uncles' hands. She kept repeating to herself that she was safe, that Brad was in jail, that she home surrounded by family.

"It's alright, dear. Deep breaths in and out," Ford narrated while simultaneously modeling deep, calming breaths. He hated to see his niece go through this, but at the very least, both he and Stan were becoming more experienced in dealing with her panic attacks now.

After a few long moments, she calmed herself down enough to say in a meek voice, "I'm sorry, you guys."

"Sweetie, for the one-millionth time, you don't have to be sorry," Stan said softly.

"What if I never get better?" Mabel asked with tears in her eyes.

"Of course you'll get better, sweetheart. You've already been getting so much better. This is nothing but a little hiccup." Stan tried to offer a reassuring smile.

"That's right. You've made great progress, Mabel. This will pass. And we'll be here for you the entire way, okay?" said Ford.

"Thanks, you guys." Mabel wiped her eyes and smiled. "I'm sorry for waking you up again."

"Don't worry about it, Sis."

"Would you like some of the sleeping pills Tad gave you?" Ford asked.

"Sure."

Ford went to get the pills and a glass of water. Mabel's hand was still shaking as she took them.

"You'll be back to having sweet dreams in no time," Ford promised.

"Need anything else, pumpkin?" Stan asked.

"I'm sorry to ask, but…" Mabel twiddled her fingers. "Grunkle Stan, can you stay until I fall asleep?"

"Sure, pumpkin." Stan laid down on the bed next to Mabel and wrapped his arm around her.

Ford tucked Dipper back into bed and kissed Mabel goodnight before leaving the room.

Mabel snuggled close to Stan's chest. "Thanks for being here for me, Grunkle Stan."

"I'll always be here for you, pumpkin. You are my daughter now, after all."

Mabel's heart warmed at that statement. It felt so good to be someone's daughter again. It provided her reassurance that she had more than guardians, but real forever parents. It made her feel safer than any thoughts of Brad in prison.

"Love you more, sweetie."

Before long Mabel was fast asleep. But when Stan attempted to get up to leave, he found that Mabel was clinging to him so tight that he could hardly move. He didn't want to risk disturbing her, so he just smiled and settled in for the night.

"The joys of fatherhood," he whispered to himself, but not with any hint of sarcasm. He meant it in his heart and soul. Not getting to sleep in his own bed was a minor inconvenience next to the joy of raising these two kids he loved dearly so late in life. After nearly losing her so many times already, having her tucked safely in his arms was enough for him to rest comfortably.