(TW: suicide)

Over a month passed since the incident, and things were worse off now than before. At least before this all happened, Mabel was capable of having brief moments of laughter or relaxation, or even times when she actually enjoyed herself and was distracted from the reality of the situation. But now she was just an emotionless slate who barely talked and never smiled at anyone. This one had really taken a toll on her, it didn't seem like she'd ever recover this time.

Everyone hoped that with her birthday coming up, she would at least be a little happy. Maybe not as perky as she used to be when planning a party for her and Dipper, but would perhaps crack a smile once or twice. Since it was their 18th birthday, the group wanted to make it extra special. But neither of them were that excited for it, especially not Mabel. She repeatedly insisted that they didn't do anything. But somehow they managed to convince they'd do something low-key, despite her reluctance.

So when the special day arrived, the group drove around town and ate out at the diner in the evening, then decided to end the night by chilling at the public pool (after hours). They brought a small cookie cake that allowed everyone one slice each, except for Mabel who got two. But she didn't eat either one, she hardly even touched it. She used to never pass up an opportunity for sweets, so the fact that she denied it was concerning.

Melody walked back from the truck with two bags, then handed them to the twins with a wide grin. If this present didn't lighten the mood, then she didn't know what would. "Here, it's a little something I found at a thrift store and thought of you two."

They both took the bags and pulled out the tissue paper that hid the presents inside. As they dug through, they both found dark blue hoodies, and after pulling them out from the bags, they could see that put together they spelt out 'best friends'.

"Aww, that's so cute." Wendy commented.

"I know, right?" Melody giggled, patting their shoulders. She could see that Dipper was quite amused and touched by the gift, but Mabel was still showing no reaction. "So no matter where you two go, you'll have these as a reminder that you'll always be friends."

"That's a little cheesy." Soos said.

Stan looked over at him, "You love cheesy things."

"I know, that's why it's perfect!" He cried dramatically, grinning widely at his wife and the twins.

Dipper scoffed, shaking his head. "Thanks, Melody. We love it." He glanced over at his sister, seeing her give the smallest smile in attempts to seem grateful for the gift. But it was the fakest smile he ever saw, especially considering it lasted no longer than a second.

But Melody would take anything at this point, so she appreciated it. "I'm glad." She kissed both their heads. "Should I go get the birthday kids some drinks?"

"They're not kids anymore." Ford chuckled.

"That's right," Stan chimed in, raising his beer can up, "Welcome to a life of taxes and minimum wage!"

"Gee thanks." Dipper rolled his eyes playfully.

The group spent another half hour at the pool, not doing much other than talking and exchanging funny stories and embarrassing memories. The cake was gone by now and there wasn't much else they could do. No one brought swimsuits since coming to the pool was a spontaneous decision.

Soon enough it was getting late and they were all growing tired, so they decided to pack it up and call it a night. While everyone else grabbed the things they brought—the cooler, the cake's tray, wrapping paper, etc., Mabel stood by the pool and stared at the water lit up by the light at the deep end. She would've liked to stare at the pool and relive a happy memory, like the time she met a merman and had her first kiss.

But instead, her mind went elsewhere. It never allowed her to be happy anymore, it refused to think of happy memories or inside jokes. She wasn't able to smile when being given a gift. A gift she wouldn't even be able to wear for another three months, all thanks to this fucking pregnancy.

She tuned out the conversations the others were having behind her, she barely heard anything except the water rippling when she dipped her toe in. It was cold, but oddly satisfying to feel. Something about hating it's freezing temperature made Mabel want to actually swim in it, to torture herself more than she already suffered. Maybe she deserved it.

Seeing the water move slowly around, seeing the light at the other end taunting her with its brightness. She tilted her head and ran her foot through the surface, adjusting to the coldness underneath. Her eyes fixated on the beckoning water, her teeth biting on her lip as she mentally argued with herself. The temptation was strong, her urge to dive in was taking over whatever control she had left.

And then she gave in. Her foot stepped in, followed by the other. She remained at the first step for a while, feeling the fabric of her long skirt already getting wet. Then she continued forward, the water reaching up above waist.

Her actions didn't go unnoticed for long. Just as they finished loading up the truck, the others saw her getting in the pool, and didn't even think much of it other than it was a little weird. "Uh, whatcha doing, Mabes?" Wendy called out, since they were all outside the fence and were a little far from her.

"Wow, I didn't know this was a pool party." Stan joked, "Wish I'd gotten the memo."

Mabel ignored them, strolling forward while the water was getting higher, now at her shoulders.

"Uhh, Mabel? Isn't it cold in there?" Melody asked, exchanging a look with the others. This was very odd behavior, especially from someone who didn't say a word the entire night. But they were all just hoping this wasn't what they thought it was.

"Yeah seriously, get out of there, kid. You'll get sick." Stan called.

"Come on, Mabel. We're heading home now." Ford gestured his head to the truck.

Soos walked around to the entrance, followed by the others. "Dude, what are you doing??"

With everyone calling out to her to get her attention, Dipper just stayed silent, carefully observing his sister from afar. She would've never gone swimming in her clothes while ignoring everybody around her, and she would've been laughing or making some jokes if she did. No, she was just walking to the deep side of the pool without a word.

But then, it hit him.

Right as her head went underwater, Dipper's mind sent him into immediate panic. He gasped and ran straight towards the pool, "Mabel! No!"

The others now realized it as well, following him and trying their best not to completely lose it.

Mabel slowly moved herself down to lay at the bottom of the water, forcing her body not to float towards the surface like it wanted to. She stared directly at the pool light, now smiling a genuine grin of relief. Soon these moments of hell and misery would be over, and she'd no longer have to suffer in a cruel world like this. She closed her eyes, unclenching her hands and raising her head, already feeling the lack of oxygen in her lungs.

But then she felt a pair of hands grab her and hastily pull her upward. She didn't even need to turn around to know who it was.