For as distant Stan was with his nephew, he knew his niece-in-law even less. The most remarkable thing about her was how normal she seemed — at least to be marrying into the eccentric Pines family. In fact, the first time he met her in person was at the wedding. He was floored by how kind and beautiful, yet, grounded she was. He always pictured his nephew marrying someone as outgoing and spontaneous as he was. Stan could only contribute it to opposites attracting.
And boy, did they attract. During their wedding, they didn't take their eyes off each other and hardly paid the guests much mind. It was clear they were madly in love with each other.
It made the situation sting even more, because Stan knew that even if his nephew pulled through, he would have to go through the rest of his life without the woman he loved.
Stan was so lost in his thoughts about his nephew, he didn't fully notice when he and Dipper arrived in the morgue.
The doctor noticed Stan daydreaming and cleared his throat to alert him of the situation.
"Sir, we still need someone to officially I.D. this body and—"
"I wanna do it," Dipper's tiny voice broke through.
"I don't think that's—"
"I'm her son, and she was my mom. I want to do this," Dipper said with his voice shaking and seeming smaller with each word.
The doctor slowly pulled back the white sheet to reveal the face of his beloved mother. There was a giant gash over her face and bruises on her neck and shoulders. The doctor kept the white sheet covering most of the rest of her body, sparing the boy from having to see the full extent of the damage to his mother's body.
"Mom…" Dipper let out a sob and laid his head against her chest like he had done so many times when he needed comfort. His mom was the only person he never had to worry about showing his feelings to.
But there was no warmth, no heartbeat, no reassuring words being whispered in his ear. And there never would be again.
The doctor made eye contact with Stan. He gave the doctor a nod to indicate this indeed was the body of Mrs. Pines.
Now that the deceased had been officially identified, the doctor stepped out to give the grieving family members some privacy.
Dipper adjusted his head slightly so he could see his mom's face. It was a horrible sight, but he couldn't look away, because he knew this was the last time he would ever see his mom.
"I'm such a bad son," Dipper whispered.
"What are you talking about, kid?" Stan asked gently.
"I…I should be with Dad! He's still alive, and he needs me, but Mom…I know she's dead but…I don't want her to be alone here! I know it's stupid! I know she's gone, and it doesn't matter! But…but…" Dipper sobbed even harder. "I don't know what else to do…"
Stan didn't know what to do either. It unnerved him to see Dipper this way. Dipper was always so in control of whatever situation he was thrown into. He could be taking on a triangle demon, a spoiled child with too much money, or even his own concept of manliness, and yet, he was always in control. Dipper showed none of this control now as he helplessly sobbed over his mother's body.
What was more disturbing for Stan was seeing how much the boy's relationship with his mom mirrored his own relationship with his mother. It was clear that this woman was a loving, caring, confidante that her son could always rely on, but now she was gone, unable to protect her child any longer.
Protecting Dipper would be his job now.
He hesitantly put his hands on Dipper's shoulders, not wanting to pull Dipper away from his mom but wanting to do whatever can to comfort him. Stan was surprised when Dipper laid one of his hands over Stan's and leaned his head against Stan's arm.
"There's nothing wrong with that, bud. You do whatever you gotta do. Both of your folks know how much you love them, and how much they love you."
Dipper was comforted by Stan's words. He had never heard his uncle speak so softly and sincerely to him, so he knew Stan was telling him the truth.
His mom often called him "her brave little man." Now, he had to be her brave little man now more than ever. His mom had always been there for him, Mabel, and Dad. He had to be there for them now.
"We need to go to Dad," Dipper whispered. Stan nodded solemnly.
Dipper looked at his beloved mother one final time. Despite all the wounds and her disfigurement, she was still the most beautiful woman in the world. That was how he'll always remember her.