The next morning, Stan alerted the kids to the game plan, and the four Pines worked in solemn silence. They didn't require words to understand the specifics of what was going to happen and what needed to be done before then.
Stan was getting the deed and other paperwork in order. He wanted to get this painful task done as quickly as possible, but he also wanted to do it right. This was one of the first times in his life that money didn't matter, all that mattered was honoring his nephew and niece-in-law.
Ford was going through the house looking for mementos that Dipper and Mabel might appreciate having as they grew up. Stan specifically requested that he collect lots of things that would hold sentimental value, as opposed to overly elegant things. He knew Dipper and Mabel well enough to understand that it wouldn't be the most expensive or finest treasures that they would want to keep, but rather things they could look at and remember their parents and the happy times of their almost thirteen all-too-brief years with them. It was mainly photos and such. Ford had no idea where they would keep all of them, but by God, they'll make room somehow.
Dipper and Mabel were packing up their individual bedrooms quietly placing their most treasured items in a box that they would keep in Oregon. They were both aware that the shack would be far too small to hold everything, so they had to make some painful decisions and place most items in donation boxes.
Mabel was giving Ms. Whiskerton lots of love and affection because she knew that as soon as she finished packing her room, she would have to let her go.
Mabel noticed Dipper suddenly stop going through his stuff staring at something in his hand.
"Dipper?" Mabel looked over his shoulder and realized he was holding his Lamby Lamby costume.
"Aww, Dipper, I didn't even know we still had this." Mabel smiled though as she remembered all the laughs that costume had given them over the years.
"Mom asked me not to get rid of it, even though I didn't do it anymore. She wanted to keep it for sentimental reasons. I wanted to throw it away because it was so embarrassing, but now…" Dipper's lip quivered. "I would do it in front of the whole world if I could see Mom smile one more time."
Mabel simply nodded as she hugged her brother close. "Mom knows that Dipper. Mom knows how much you loved her…she knows."
Dipper gave his sister a small smile. "I think I want to keep the costume."
"Mom would like that."
She looked sadly at the cat in her arms knowing what she had to do now. Dipper put a hand on her shoulder. "C'mon sis, we can go together."
—
"And well…I think you should have her," Mabel said with a shaky voice as she handed her cat over to Mr. McGuire.
The old man had never been particularly fond of "those noisy kids," but seeing such kindness during such hardship warmed his old heart.
"That's awful kind of ya, little lady. I've been wanting to get myself a pet for a long time but never got around to it. I promise you I'll take good care of her."
"That's all I ask," Mabel said as she turned to walk away with Dipper.
"Hey!" the old man called back to them.
"I'm real sorry about your parents. They were good people…and…I'll miss telling ya to get off my lawn and such…"
The kids nodded sadly as they turned to walk away again.
"Hey! One more thing!" he said as he headed inside.
Dipper and Mabel looked at each other confused.
The old man lugged a huge net filled to the brim with all sorts of balls: baseballs, basketballs, badminton balls…every ball Dipper and Mabel had ever sent over his fence during their childhood days that he refused to give back. They honestly never thought they would ever see them again. Despite everything, they released a small laugh.
"This is really sweet, Mr. McGuire!" said Mabel.
"But…well we have sort of outgrown our 'sports' phase," Dipper said. After all, who needed balls when there was a whole wooded area to explore? Besides…he knew there wouldn't be room in the shack for them all.
"Why don't you share them with the other kids in the neighborhood?"
"Kind of do it in memory of us!" Mabel added.
The old man smiled sadly as he waved those two "trouble-making" kids goodbye.
"Think you're almost ready to go sis?" Dipper asked quietly.
Mabel looked at him sadly. "Ready as I'll ever be."
The kids opened the door to their house and found Stan and Ford sitting at the kitchen table.
"Hey, kids, listen we gotta talk," Stan started.
"We know, Grunkle Stan. Dipper and I are ready to go."
"That's great, but…I'm not going back with you."