Stan just held his dear sweet niece as she continued sobbing. Mabel couldn't deny it felt good to be held and comforted. Typically, when Stan showed affection, it would be toward her and Dipper together. It was nice to be soothed on her own for a bit. It almost gave her an assurance that things might one day be alright again. If nothing else, it did confirm that even after today, she would still have people in her life to love her and care for her.

Dipper and Ford re-entered the room. To both his and Ford's surprise, Mabel instantly went over to embrace her brother. Dipper quickly recovered from the shock and reciprocated.

"I'm so sorry, Dipper! I didn't mean to be so selfish!"

"No, no, Mabel, you weren't selfish. You were just trying to help."

Stan and Ford looked on as the two children remained locked in their embrace. Here these children were amid the worst and most difficult thing any child could go through, yet they were showing so much strength and maturity. More important than anything, they were supporting each other.

Ford especially was ashamed. He had kicked his brother out of his life over something as simple as a stupid science project. These kids' world was falling apart around them, but they weren't leaving each other for anything.

Stan noticed Ford had tears building up and went to put his arm around him. Ford looked over to find Stan with a look on his face that simply said mistakes were made on both sides.

Dipper and Mabel whispered among themselves. After a long moment Mabel broke free and looked up at Ford, her eyes a painful red.

"G-Grunkle Ford…can I ask you something?" Mabel whispered in this tone that communicated regret for her earlier words, and at the same time, a fear of him. Both of those things shook the scientist to his core.

He knelt to make himself small and less intimidating to her. "Of course, sweetheart."

"Is…is Daddy hurting by being hooked up to that machine?"

"No, honey, he doesn't feel anything."

"Me and Grunkle Stan talked about it and….and Dipper and I want him to be with Mommy…" The poor girl said in a small, shaky voice.

Ford put a firm hand on her shoulder. "That's a very brave decision."

"But…but can we do it after midnight?" she asked.

Ford looked confused until Dipper spoke up. "We don't want both our parents to die on our birthday."

The explanation hit Ford like an anvil: it was still Dipper's and Mabel's birthday.

What a horrific memory to forever associate with a day that is supposed to be happy. At thirteen, it seemed that these children had been robbed from ever having a happy birthday again.

Ford gave them both a hug. "I think your father would want to be with you for your birthday."

For the next several hours, Dipper and Mabel laid by their father's side. They wanted to feel his gentle embrace for a final time. Since he only had one arm remaining, they had to switch sides to be held by him.

The remaining hours appeared to be simultaneously slow and yet, far too quick as the midnight hour drew near — marking the end of their thirteenth birthday and the end of their father's life.

"Happy birthday, Dipper," Mabel whispered in a voice that communicated it had been everything but.

"Happy birthday, Mabel," Dipper said with a tone that mirrored his sister's.

Once midnight had passed, the kids gave permission for doctor to pull the plug.

He had explained his heart would not stop right away. The kids now had to endure the agony of watching their father's body shut down for good. They didn't have to stay if they didn't want to, but they couldn't let their father die alone.

His heart monitor began to slow. More seconds passed between each beep. The kids were torn between wanting the beeps to end so their father could be at peace and wanting the beeps to keep going so he could be with them a little longer.

Ford, wanting to make up for his insensitivity earlier, kept his hands firmly on Mabel's shoulder to keep her steady as she sobbed watching her father's life slip away. Dipper couldn't even look as the monitor made its final beeps, so he just buried his face into Stan's chest.

Finally, the beeps stopped. Mr. Pines was gone.