A/N: Only time I'll say it, I don't own Gravity Falls or any other product that may appear

Where was I? The thought came to me fuzzily almost like being spoken to underwater. It was dark so dark; darker than the night and as quiet as the grave. I tried turning my head but I was so tired. It'll be alright I'll just rest my eyes a… the blackness took me.

I could hear a faint noise… I was still so incredibly tired, 'Just let me sleep'. It was like someone was whispering, "please … wake …" what were they talking about I was already awake; as if in response exhaustion swept through my mind...

"Please... don't die." Die? the fuzzy blanket that covered my thoughts returned... how was dying? The question echoed in my thoughts as the darkness quickly reclaimed me.

It was vague if I was awake or asleep at some points. The blackness was constant, the silence however was not. If I strained I could almost hear what they were saying, sometimes with urgency.

"He's flatli… get me … paddles"

"Tell me he's going to …"

"Get these kids ou..."

Other times the voices came with a soothing calmness.

"Hey kid how … going… fine"

"Where was … found again?"

"… beach…. crater."

"… keep a close… Miss …roy."

When it happened it felt like I was listening to someone shouting underwater, vaguely understandable yet distorted and scattered.

How long was I like that I can't say could have been days or weeks, Most times though it was just quiet and so soothing. I was so tired I didn't want to think I just wanted to rest, to sink further into the dark, let my lead weighted limbs drag me down.

Occasionally the blackness was punctuated with a harsh white light, and in these instances I could almost make out blurry figures moving at the edge of my vision but those times never truly lasted.

Then it happened; I felt lighter than I had in a long time as a new noise entered my hearing. Beep… that was odd… beep… I felt as though I was rising , like how a bubble rises to the surface of a pool.

Heh heh… bubbles. Beep… beep…. beep; the sounds were coming faster now, an odd pressure pressing down on me. Beep…beep.. beepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeepbeep! I shot forward with a gasp and opened my eyes.

And then immediately shut them against the blinding light that greeted me. I gulped in air greedily almost panting, blinking rapidly I struggled to comprehend my surroundings. Everything was a painful white color that made my eyeballs scream in protest. Closing my eyes against the glare, I attempted to sit up but my limbs felt like wet noodles for all the strength they presented.

In the end I settle for opening my eyes a crack and turning my head, I was lying on some sort of bed in a remarkably clean room, almost sterile. The walls all painted with that blaring white color that did me no favors in my weak state.

My head was pounding like a drum beat, "Where am I", I whispered.

Or rather that's what I tried to whisper, it came out more like a horse "whierumais".

Apparently I mustn't have whispered as much as I thought, because almost in response to a new voice something stirred just out the corner of my eye. I heard a loud gasp and before I could react, a grinning face full of metal jumped and shoved itself into view.

We stared at each other for a long moment brown eyes burning holes into me, I cocked my head to the side trying to piece together what I was seeing and the head followed suit,the grin never leaving their face.

In fact it just seemed to be getting wider; Just as I though their head was going to split in half they let out painfully loud happy squeal that made me flinch.

"Ohmygawshyou'reawakenowthatsawesomeohholdonesecondIgottatellthedoctoryou'reokayYAY" and just like that as quickly as they had appeared they vanished, a door slamming close by.

I lay stock still in surprise, before sudden warmth bloomed in my chest.

Apparently my brain had decided now was the time to start registering pain and a deep abiding ache began spreading through my limbs.

I heard myself groan as every inch of me began to throb, despite this I felt my lips twitch upwards "well... that was something".

I had successfully managed to sit up properly for about twenty minutes when the door to my room slammed open, and a bunch of people in white coats and what looked like blue and pink overalls entered. "Ah finally awake are we" one white coated man said with a hint of humor in his voice.

I looked up blearily at the man I now recognized as a doctor and nodded. He smiled warmly "good, now how are you feeling, you've been through quite an ordeal".

I blinked before coughing suddenly, man my throat was parched "I- I'm aching all over and really need a drink" a loud growling noise emanated from the hollow that was my stomach. I blushed "I'm also really hungry apparently". The doctor nodded smiling as he jotted something down before signalling some nurses who quickly left my room.

The doctor turned to me "well I shouldn't really be surprised by that, you have been in a coma like state since you were brought in about…" he checked his board "a week ago." He scratched his head as he glanced at the board again "and I have to say it was touch and go there for the first day or so."

My confusion must have been evident on my face because he looked as though he was about to explain what was going on when one of the nurses returned with a tray of food. I eyed it ravenously mindfully wiping away some drool as he set it down in front of me.

The Doctor coughed as I picked up a sandwich earning him a mock glare "now before you eat there are a few questions I need you to answer" I took a bite anyway and swallowed.

"Like what" my voice squeaked oddly for a second, I rubbed at my throat frowning.

The Doctor rolled his eyes "Well first of all…" he was cut off as a familiar high pitched voice outside shouted "Guys hurry up, I told you he's awake now."

"Yes we get it kid" a gravelly voice replied tiredly "just don't start jumping all over him, give him some space".

Like a blur the figure that had first greeted me waking up shot in to the room, stopping just short of my bed; she grinned showing metal braces "Hey".

I blinked at her abruptness "hey yourself" I felt my lips twitching again at her perkiness. It seemed she was the type of person who lit up the room with her energy.

She stared at me for a moment "Sooo… do you remember m-"

"Miss" the doctor barked "while we appreciate you alerting the proper authorities that he was awake, he is still a patient. He needs rest, not being crowded."

Frowning I opened my mouth to object but someone else beat me to it, "aw keep your coat on Doc and let them have their fun, and the kid looks fine to me."

It was that gravelly voice from before, in the door stood an older man wearing an odd combination of a suit and red tasseled hat. "In fact he looks about ready to jump out the window."

I abruptly settled back down from trying to look past the man's shoulder at the people standing behind him, feeling my face heat up, a fact not helped by the girls giggling. Red faced I tore another bite from my sandwich.

The Doctor was not having any of what he was being sold "With all due respect sir" I scowled again at the doc's back at the implied disrespect packed into that one word, "but you are neither a medical professional, family nor are you a representative of the law, so it is well within my rights to remove you if you are being disruptive to the patient."

The old guy laughed roughly "Oh and you're just gonna throw us out after all we did?"

"I'm certainly in my rights to if I feel it will interfere with his rehabilitation!"

Okay this was getting slightly out of hand, I felt fine and they seemed nice.

"Actually sir" I said with as much respect as I could muster "I don't mind them being here as long as I actually get to eat". My stomach growled again making the girl snort as though I had made the funniest joke in the world.

The doctor gave her a brief glare over his glasses but only got a grin in response; I hid a growing smirk, I liked her.

The doctor turned to me and sighed shaking his head "Sorry but the answer is no, you only woke up barely half an hour ago and we still need to run a whole bunch of tests."

"Unless the kid is in immediate danger then the tests can wait Doc." A large rotund man in sheriffs uniform pushed passed the old man in the door. "I have a few questions I'd like answered first"

My mouth suddenly felt dry, now I was concerned.

The doctor removed his glasses and pinched his nose screwing his eyes shut in what must have been exasperation. "Very well Sheriff Blubs, but ten minutes only." With that he and the nurses who had been checking the fluid bags next to my bed left.

The Sheriff let out a breath "Okay, first things first. Are you alright?" I rolled my eyes at the repeated question and nodded. Sheriff Blubs wrote something down in a note book, then glanced back towards the door "You can come in while I'm questioning him you know."

The old man shrugged and marched in; following him was a boy around the girls' age wearing a blue and white cap, a tall red head girl wearing what looked like a flannel jacket and fur hat, and an immensely portly guy who looked like he could do with a shower.

I raised a hand nervously "Um hi?" Feeling a little surrounded I lay back a bit in the bed.

The red head smiled "Hey, you're looking a lot better than the last time we saw you."

I stared at her "I'm sorry?"

The Sheriff took the moment to interrupt, "These people here are the reason you're alive. They found you unconscious and covered in bruises out near the lake."

"Don't forget naked" the younger girl piped in.

"Yeah" the officer drawled raising an eyebrow in her direction "these two in particular were the ones to find you" he said gesturing to her and the boy standing next to her. "If it weren't for their quick thinking and contacting the authorities, you wouldn't be here right now

I felt both shocked and utterly confused, I'd been found where? "Uh, thanks I guess." I had a feeling my face would be a tomato by the end of the day.

The brown haired girl grinned yet again "You're welcome, I'm Mabel by the way and this is my brother Dipper." I stared for a second at his name; he shrugged and scratched his cheek.

"Hey, we just did what anyone else would do." His eyes widened a moment "Oh yeah" he turned and gestured at the red head "this is Wendy" she waved, "Soos" he moved to the overweight guy with a question mark t-shirt who greeted me with a "Hey dude".

"And" he motioned towards the old man in the suit "this is our Grunkle Stan", who just nodded grudgingly.

I looked back at Dipper curiously "Grunkle?"

"He's our Great Uncle" he shrugged.

"Ah" I nodded, as though that explained everything ever.

The Sheriff shook his head "Moving back to the questions," he looked at me sharply "For the record what's your name kid?"

"Oh I'm…" I felt the bottom of my stomach drop out beneath me and my budding good mood vanish as I reached at a blank space in my mind, "I'm… I'm..." I racked my brain as hard as I could for anything, the chill of fear pooling inside my chest "I- I- I don't know!"

I felt my heart begin to beat faster as panic flooded me, my eyes widening. "I can't remember my name" my breath was coming harsh and fast, my eyes darting from side to side looking at an increasingly worried group.

This wasn't right I should know it... I had to know it, my name was who I was, and without it… the room began to blur a little. I felt like I was going to be sick!

The red head, 'Wendy' I remembered placed a hand on my shoulder "Dude, breathe! You're hyperventilating. Breathe slowly, In" I held my breath "out" she said, and I released it. "Good, again in... out..."

Everyone waited a few minutes while Wendy helped calm me down, up close I now realized she was rather tall… come to think of it everyone looked tall to me... or ... was I just small?

"Okay" she said rubbing the small of my back "you can't remember your name yet, that's alright you just got up from a week long nap, you're bound to be a bit disoriented. Can you remember anything else" I stared at my lap not answering, why was she being so kind? "Anything" she continued "like, how old you are?"

I froze before shaking my head at another blank spot, squashing another tide of panic. There was something about that question that terrified me; just in way the older members were talking down to my level. As though I... I...

I risked a glance at the group around me; they looked at me with varying degrees of sympathy. I wasn't sure how to handle that so I moved to my more begging question, "D- does anyone have a mirror on them". Mabel fished a make-up mirror out of her pocket with a curious look on her face.

"What's wrong?

I didn't answer as I looked at my reflection. I don't know what I really expected, shoulder length spiky dirty blond hair, green eyes and a rounded nose set into a heart shaped face.

The color around one of my eyes was a fading dark yellow and there were some stitches on my forehead. Other than that I looked no older than Dipper and Mabel who were standing next to me with worry etched on their faces.

I released a breath I didn't know I had been holding, and realized something oddly relieving.

While the face in the mirror meant nothing to me, it also felt extremely right.

"What is the last thing you remember before waking up here? Think hard on this." The doctor and his entourage had been called back in.

I had been given an initial diagnosis of trauma induced amnesia, though the Doc had said that they would need to perform some scans to get a more accurate opinion, though they did check my height and weight and concluded that taking into account my coma induced weight loss I was probably around twelve to thirteen years old.

They gave me an hour to finish eating and calm down a little before restarting the questioning.

Then everyone but the Sherriff was herded back out the room, supposedly it had been to prevent me from feeling entrapped by to many people, though I could see three pairs of eyes peeking through a crack in the door frame and its window.

I closed my eyes and strained to remember anything before the blissful blackness. I was beginning to think I should have stayed unconscious. "I'm sorry I can't remember".

I could see his eyes narrow behind his glasses and he muttered something to a nurse who wrote something on another clipboard.

Sherriff Blubs coughed into a fist grabbing our attention "Are you sure" he adjusted his sunglasses-who wore sunglasses in doors anyway- "the events regarding you being found are part of an investigation, anything you can tell us will be helpful." I nodded and closed my eyes again and strained my brain as hard as I could.

"I'm sorry I-" then like a flash I saw something in the back of my mind; of sand almost rising up to meet me, of falling, of blinding pa- I snapped my eyes open breathing hard, Blubs and the doctor were staring intently at me.

"Well?" the doctor adjusted his glasses.

I hesitated a moment drawing my knees to my chest, I suddenly felt very small "I- I fell and- and…"

"And?"

"And that's it" I mumbled after a moment.

Sherriff Blubs looked almost disappointed, "well unless you fell from a plane and decided to strip naked on your way down I'm gonna have to ask that you call us the moment you remember anything else. Anything else!"

His face suddenly drew rather tightly around his glasses and his voice went cold "violence against minors is a serious offense round these here parts, it is not. tolerated."

He looked at me and relaxed again sighing "add on the fact that you had not a stitch on you we could probably add a theft charge to that as well".

He tipped his hat as he left "The police will be in touch, good day to yaw."

He stepped out the door and called back "oh and kid pick a name before you're marked as John Doe."

I glanced nervously at the doctor after he left "so um, what happens to me now?"

He drew a hand through thinning hair and breathed heavily through his nose. "Well you're probably going to remain here for the next day or two depending on your test results, after that it depends on the legal ruling. You're a minor without any records or family linking you to this area, meaning that you're likely to be placed with a foster family nearby until your identity is found."

I didn't really know what to make of that statement, I didn't know even know where I was let alone anyone who lived here. Well Wendy seemed nice at least she reminded me of… of? I felt that same horrible hollow feeling appear again; my breathing grew sharp and rapid as my vision blurred.

Hurried footsteps were quickly followed by a firm grip on my shoulder "Hey, hey dude remember breathe" it was Wendy's voice "do as I say, IN" I sucked in a shuddering breathe "hold it, now out". I released it, "now just keep doing it like that, in… Out."

It took few minutes of her coaching but the room began coming back into focus, the doctor raised an eyebrow at her in an almost appraising manner.

Wendy ruffled my hair with a reassuring smile; an act I oddly found myself appreciating "So what got you this time, did you remember something?" I shook my head desperately trying to shove down a burning feeling in my throat "More like realized that I know less than I thought I did."

She tilted her head curiously "oh?" I swallowed again at the lump in my throat refusing to look at her or my doctor, I knew that if I did the emotional dam I was trying to build would completely shatter. As it was I still heard my voice trembling as I spoke

"I- I want my mom and dad but I... I-" I hiccuped and bit my lip. I wouldn't cry, I couldn't. Not in front of these people who I barely knew, I didn't want their pity.

A large hand took hold of my smaller one, "It's alright dude. Take your time" Wendy said quietly "Take as long as you need man." I didn't look at her but I felt my eyes widen unwillingly.

Swallowing hard I forced the knot in my throat down "but I can't even remember my family's faces. I don't remember their voices, let alone what they were like."

I took a shuddering breath "I just- I ... what kind of person could forget something like that?" I lay back and let my head fall, the effort to finish draining me slightly.

The other two were silent for a few minutes before I Wendy bent over to whisper something to the doctor who nodded, "just make sure he's in a state suitable for when his has his scans though", he once again left again through the door.

Wendy followed and but only poked her head outside, I couldn't hear what she said but I heard a clatter of footsteps leading away from the door. I suppose I couldn't really blame them for listening in on the crazy person but I was grateful all the same.

I jerked my head back down as she returned; she took a seat the bedside and placed a hand on my shoulder again. "Dude, look at me", I shook my head staring at my hands in my lap.

She sighed "Kid please look at me, you'll feel a lot better when you do", I bit my lip hard that I tasted iron, as my emotions slammed against my mental dam like roaring tide.

Her hand squeezed my shoulder almost affectionately but that couldn't be right "Look man, I know its tough but I need you to trust me alright, everything is going to be fine." I couldn't help it, I knew what would happen but she sounded so sincere.

Slowly I lifted my head and met her gaze, I immediately felt my lower lip begin to tremble and my eyes start to burn. Her arm snaked itself further around my shoulders and pulled me closer to her, "Dude, I know I can't begin to understand how you must be feeling right now." My mental wall cracked.

I felt something hot starting to trickle down my face and gritted my teeth, straining.

Wendy smiled kindly "but please remember this, whatever caused you to forget everything you were before." The crack began to spiderweb along the banks.

Her voice grew firm as I twisted inwards and buried my face in her shoulder "It was not your fault!"

The dam broke.

I don't know how long I wept for, it felt like hours, but if it was Wendy never complained. She just sat silently letting pour my grief out on her shoulder occasionally trying to give a reassuring hug. Why she would let me do that was something I couldn't figure out, but it was something I desperately needed.

I felt terrified, angry and wretched, a writhing ball of emotional agony roiled about in my chest; I couldn't stop myself from crying switching between wailing and almost silent whimpering but still she remained. I cried for what I'd lost, a whole life just gone, vanished like dust in the wind. The faces of those who must have loved me gone along with everything else like a sand castle swept away by a wave.

I cried for the emptiness I unconsciously knew was ahead of me, a lifetime of asking why. Why? why did it have to be me, who was I to deserve this. What had I done wrong that this was my punishment. I had no name, I had no home; I had no one and I was no one. I- I ... the tears just kept coming.

At some point I vaguely recall calling out for my parents and at that the grip on me tightened almost responding with equal pain to my own. But there was no answer and why would there be, I was alone and nothing could change that; and so I wept until I had no more tears to give.

Distantly I heard Wendy whispering that it would be alright, that it would be okay; but my heart knew otherwise. I wasn't okay... It would never be okay again.

Finally my tears began to abate; unclenching my aching jaw, I took a few shuddering breaths and relaxed my vice like grip on Wendy's jacket. I pulled back rubbing my eyes to emotionally drained and physically tired to continue.

Wendy glanced bemusedly at her completely soaked shoulder before rummaging in a pocket. Pulling her hand back she tossed me a handkerchief, "for your face dude" she smirked.

I began wiping my eyes which ached in a not unpleasant way, "thanks" I mumbled. My cheeks felt heated, whether from embarrassment from the scene I just made of myself or due having had my face screwed up tight for who knows how long I couldn't tell.

She shrugged looking quite nonchalant for someone who'd just had somebody bawling into their shoulder "Pfft, no problem. You needed somebody and with that reaction you just had, I don't think Doctor 'By the Book at all times Every time' out there would have been much help".

"Even still" my voice sounded fragile to my ears "thanks a lot".

She shook her head rolling her eyes "Yeah well, don't mention it dude." Standing up she stretched her arms behind her "do you want to meet the rest of the gang now or would you rather..." she gestured to my still rather red face.

"Oh…" I quickly wiped the rest of my face down and sniffed "no let them in, I never thanked them properly". Wendy nodded and quickly left the room again,

I was getting kind of antsy myself but I couldn't leave the room until the doctor said it was nose twitched, rubbing it didn't help. It felt weird almost ticklish like a … "ah aah- AH-CHOO". Something flashed red as I let loose an extremely loud sneeze, I blinked confusedly and frowned "what the heck was that." I glanced around for what could have caused the bright flash but nothing obvious stuck out. I brushed my bed sheet down checking that no mucus had flown anywhere on the bedding.

There wasn't any mucus but my hand brushed over part of the sheet that felt rougher than the rest, a quick check made my eyes widen slightly, some of the fabric had blackened; as though someone had decided to singe the threads with a candle or a hot iron.

My examination was however halted as the door opened again and Wendy strode back in followed by Dipper and Mabel. I quickly scrambled to hid the burnt patch while trying to sound casual "Hey where are Soos and your Grunkle?" Dipper averted his eyes slightly, my face must have still been a bit blotchy "they've gone back to work, Grunkle Stan had to go and look after the Mystery Shack and dragged Soos back with him."'

Mystery Shack?' What kind of place was that?

A long pause stretched out between us, I don't think any of us really knew what to say. We probably all felt a bit awkward especially if they had heard the scene I was making only moments ago.

"So" I scratched the back of my head awkwardly "I guess I should thank you guys properly for what you did".Mabel tilted her head in slight confusion "Didn't you do that earlier, we told you it was okay."

I shook my head "To be honest I wasn't sure what was going on right then, I was confused as to where I was, and then I realized the stuff with … you know" I tapped my head, the three of them nodded solemnly. "So you can see how much I really want to let you know how grateful I am to you."

Dipper removed his hat, running his hands through his hair uneasily "Did-" he hesitated with a slight grimace on his face before marching up to the other side of my bed. "Did the doctors tell you what condition you were in when we found you?"

I shook my head and rubbed at the still sore bruise around my eye "Only that it was touch and go for a while at the start."

Dipper sighed loudly "It probably was, the Doctors refused to let us see you for an entire day after you were brought in. We –me and Mabel- found you after we heard some sort of explosion down by the lake. We actually thought you were dead with the way you looked at first". He paused as though searching for the right words.

"It was raining and you were half in the water, me and Mabel managed to pull you out but …" He trailed off looking pleadingly at his sister.

Wendy was the one who took pity however with Dipper looking at her with a mixture of gratitude and something else. "You were so bruised and cut up that we couldn't tell what color your skin was originally and the Doctors said that you had a few cracked ribs on top of the beginnings of hypothermia."

I looked at my peach colored hands in confusion, "but if I was that badly hurt then why do I…?"

Mabel shrugged a smile showing up on her face again "maybe you're just really fast healer" she blinked her eyes going wide "ooh ooh, maybe you have healing powers like Wolverine. Hey make a fist and maybe claws will pop out".

My opinion of that idea must have shown up on my face because the other two tried to stifle their laughter behind their hand. I crossed my arms and looked away pouting; "Aw, don't be like that" Wendy laughed "we're just having fun". I eyed her and felt my lips twist up a little, I could feel the laughter bubbling up however, the three's humor was infectious.

"Alright, alright. You got me" I laughed a little, something that proved to be a mistake "Ow, ow that hurts" I rubbed my middle wincing.

Pulling at my hospital gowns collar I glanced down, areas of my chest and stomach were wrapped in bandages like a mummy and the skin that was open to the air still looked mottled black and blue. "Note to self," I groaned "laughter is not the best medicine after all."

I felt a hand ruffle my hair, looking up I found it wasn't Wendy this time who was wincing in sympathy with me in the corner. I glanced at Mabel and felt my face grow heated; "What" she was grinning "Wendy said you enjoyed her doing this." My face grew even hotter if it were possible.

Dipper snorted "Mabel let him go; you can flirt with him when he's out of hospital."

Wait what? Flirt?!

I looked back to Mabel who was sitting with an innocent look on her face, her eyes twinkling mischievously, my throat suddenly felt rather dry.

"So" I coughed, purposely not looking at Mabel. "What happened after you dragged me out of the water?"

Dipper fiddled with his cap a moment "I sent Mabel to town for help where we managed to call for an ambulance , I- I didn't want to risk touching you at first, You were barely breathing but if you'd been left where you were you would have died so… yeah I tried to keep you warm with my jacket. As it was your heart stopped beating a few times before the hospital stabilized you."

Wendy stepped beside him "one of us has been at your side ever since you arrived, you scared the life out of us a few times when your heart stopped beating.
I felt my throat tighten a little at that, "why" I breathed "why do that you could have just left me alone when I was stable."

They all looked at each other but said nothing almost speaking without words. Eventually Dipper rubbed the back of his head his face turning slightly red "It ... just felt like the right thing to do."

I remained silent a few minutes digesting what I'd just been told. "C-could someone help me up?" I asked quietly.

They gave me an odd look so I rephrased myself "Could someone help me out of bed" my legs felt stiff and weak, I didn't trust them to hold me up but I needed to do this. I twisted round and tried to wriggle out from under the blankets, maybe it was due to the fact my arms had all the strength of wet noodles but all I managed was to tangle myself up further.

Dipper attempted to help but only succeeded in nearly dragging me from the bed covers and all.

Eventually Wendy once again took pity on us all the while failing suppressing obvious amusement, she gripped me under my armpits while Dipper and I kicked and pulled the covers from my legs. She then guided me to the floor where I grabbed hold of the mental pole holding my fluid drip; the cold paneling of the floor sent a shiver up my spine but honestly the coolness was a welcome relief.

I leaned heavily on the pole for a long moment before dredging up the courage to raise one foot, and placed it in front of the other. I turned to Dipper and Mabel and took a few stumbling steps towards them, funny maybe it was because I was leaning on the pole but they seemed a tiny bit taller than me.

Another step... then another... and another.

"Uh dude" Wendy raised an eyebrow "don't push yourself to fast". As though my body had just been waiting for a warning I slipped and fell face forward onto the hard floor.

Or I would have if Dipper and Mabel hadn't caught me."Hey careful"; they both pushed me to my feet trying to steady me as I got my feet back under control. But before they could release me I let go of the pole and grabbed them both in as tight a hug as I could manage in my current both suddenly tensed at my actions, almost as if waiting for something horrible to happen.

"Thank you" I whispered thickly, they relaxed slightly "thank you both so much".

Dipper made a noise as if to protest again but I cut him off "Dude you and Mabel saved my life; You saved me without even knowing who the heck I was, no matter what you say there is no way I'll ever be able to repay that."

The room was silent for a long moment.

Someone coughed lightly from the doorway. "As much as I hate to break such a cute moment but I'm afraid visiting hours for this patient are over".

I quickly let go of the two of them startled, grabbing the pole again I looked towards the speaker.

My doctor had returned. 'Crab-apples'.

"What do you mean over?" I felt slight irritation rise up inside me, I'd barely gotten to know these three and now they had to leave?

Wendy grabbed me by the arm and helped guide me back into the bed. "He means that you have a long day of examinations ahead and you're gonna need all he all the rest you can get."

"But…"

She ruffled my hair again and looked me in the eye a reassuring laugh in her voice "Don't worry we'll see you again soon, if not by this evening then tomorrow morning for sure".

I crossed my arms"Y- You promise, right?" I knew I probably sounded childish but right then I didn't care. Dipper, Mabel, and Wendy; the three made somehow made me feel...

...safe.

Wendy grinned looking back at the other two who nodded frantically and then back to me. She stood up "we promise Bud."

They began to file out when Dipper called back to me "Don't worry I'm definitely coming back, there's a lot of amazing stuff I need to show you".

"And I'll be bringing you a list of names for you to try out, that's gonna be so much fun" Mabel shouted back as well.

I raised a hand and waived hesitantly, still wearing a slight frown "Um 'kay, see you soon then... I guess".

I gazed after them as the doctor called in a few nurses to move my bed.

"So uh, I know this might sound stupid" I said as they wheeled me out into the hall, "but where am I exactly again?"

A nurse looked down at me strangely "You're in hospital".

I shook my head, irritated. "No, where is the Hospital?"

"Ah" she smiled warmly "Kid welcome to Gravity Falls."