They arrived back at the Shack to the heart-wrenching sight of a birthday banner and balloons and decorations of a birthday party that had been brought to a tragic halt. That celebration would never be continued. It felt as though there would never be a reason to celebrate anything ever again.

Stan sighed sadly as he glanced back to find Dipper and Mabel leaning against each other passed out after being physically, mentally, and emotionally drained of all they had.

"C'mon, let's get them to bed," Stan whispered to Ford.

Stan opened the passenger seat of the car, unstrapped Dipper, and took the boy into his arms.

The poor boy began to stir as his sleepy eyes looked up at Stan. Despite being exhausted, he was still trying to be a man.

"I can walk you know…" his tired voice slurred.

"Shh, I know you can champ, but I got you. It's okay," Stan forced himself to say, even though things felt so far from okay.

Even though Dipper was still apprehensive, he was too weak to argue and fell right back to sleep.

Ford's hands shook at the prospect of picking up Mabel. After their interactions today, he was terrified he would find a way to mess up the simple task.

"She won't bite," Stan whispered as he glanced over his shoulder at his brother.

Ford took a deep breath and tenderly took the child into his arms.

She looked up at him with tired eyes like her brother's and tried vocalizing some form of apology. "Grunkle Ford…I'm sor—"

Ford wouldn't let her finish. "No, sweetheart, I'm the one who should be sorry. I want you to know I think you are brilliant. And I want to thank you for bringing me home."

Mabel managed a watery smile as she fell back to sleep in his arms.

When they reached the attic bedroom, they were crestfallen to find most of their bags packed. They were fully prepared to return home…to their parents…not knowing they would never get the chance.

They laid the children on their respective beds and tucked a blanket over each of them.

Without another word, Stan trudged out of the room. Ford followed him downstairs. Instead of going to bed, Stan proceeded to clean up all the birthday decorations.

"Stanley, I think that can wait until tomorrow. You must be exhausted."

"I don't want the kids to wake up to this," he said curtly.

Ford nodded. There's no way the kids would be in a mood the celebrate.

"Here, I'll help you."

Ford assisted Stan in picking up the decorations, streamers, and gift wrapping paper.

"So…how are you holding up?" Ford asked his brother.

"Fine." Stan was silent for a moment. Then he said in a small voice, "I just can't believe they're really gone."

"Did you know them very well?" Ford asked.

"It wasn't like with the kids. We weren't super close or anything. But…they were good people. They were family, you know? Now, it's up to me to look after their kids."

"I'm sorry, Stan. I know that's a huge responsibility."

"It's okay, Sixer. I love those kids. I'll do anything for them. I'm just sorry…that I can't go with you."

"Go with me? Where?"

"Sailing. You know, going around the world in pursuit of science or whatever…"

"Stanley…"

"If you find any treasure, bring some back for me—"

"Stan—"

"And hey, if you find any babes out there, you have my number so—"

"STANLEY!"

Stan was startled at Ford's outburst. He looked to see his brother was wearing a hurt expression.

"Leaving you behind is the worst mistake I've ever made in my life. Do you really think I'm going to do it twice?"

"You…you wanna stay here with me and the kids? But I thought…"

"Stanley, the whole reason I wanted to go sailing with you wasn't because of the scientific discovery, or praise, or even the adventure. I wanted you to go with me because I had already lost so much time with you, and I'm not losing anymore. Putting scientific discovery over what matters most…it cost me greatly. I'm not allowing it to cost me any more."

Stan smiled as his eyes misted up a little. "Domestic life won't be quite as thrilling."

"That didn't stop us from having adventures as kids. If I remember correctly, you were the only kid on earth that could turn spring cleaning into an adventure. Don't tell me old age has changed that in you?" Ford playfully teased.

Stan chuckled. "Not a chance, Sixer."

"I must admit, I don't know what I can do to help, but I'm willing to try…for the sake of those kids."

"Right now, I think just being there for them is enough." Stan gave a reassuring smile.

"But I know I've got quite a lot to learn about raising a family," said Ford.

"Don't worry, Poindexter." Stan put his hand on Ford's arm. "If I remember you right, you were always a fast learner."