Ford wasted no time springing into action. He knew three things for certain: he knew that Mabel was in danger of getting seriously ill wearing wet clothes in the cold autumn air, he knew he had already failed Mabel as a great uncle and caretaker, and he knew he had to be the one to make this right again.

"Dipper, stay here and take care of everyone downstairs. Don't let them worry. I'll bring Mabel home!" he shouted as he shimmied down the shack. He didn't know how Mabel managed to get down, as it was very difficult for him. He could only attribute it to her youth (He needed to have a word with Stan about making sure this place is made a little less convenient to escape...Mabel and Dipper were teenagers after all!).

"I need to come with you," Dipper shouted as he began climbing on the roof.

"No, Dipper, stay here! This is something I need to take care of myself," Ford said. He had to admit, he wasn't sure what he was going to do when he found Mabel, but at that moment, plans didn't matter. He just needed to make sure she was safe, he knew that he had been neglectful to her in the past, but now was as good a time as any to make it right.

Once Ford was outside the shack, the direness of the situation really set in. He had on a sweater and a heavy coat and even he was still shivering in the early November air. He had to find Mabel and fast, but in order to find Mabel, he knew he would have to think like her.

"Okay, Ford, you can do this. What makes Mabel happy? Where would she go if she was upset? She likes unicorns...no she told me they were jerks. She likes chasing butterflies...but they wouldn't be around this time of year. Think, Ford, think!" Ford narrated to himself.

He walked around aimlessly for what felt like way too long, calling Mabel's name until his voice could barely make words anymore. He was getting more worried. As he walked, he played the events of the day over and over in his head. He didn't think he would ever get that image of Mabel cowering from him out of his mind. He couldn't blame her though. He had taken a couple of psychology classes in his days. He was aware of the freeze, fight, or fly mentality of trauma victims. Still, he doubted she would have reacted that way if it were Stan...probably because Stan had actually taken the time to get to know her.

He sat under a large oak tree and sighed deeply. "I've been a horrid uncle. No wonder she thought I was a monster. I haven't done anything to prove I'm not..." Ford let a few tears slip despite his best efforts not to. He then looked up at the golden sky and did something he hadn't done since he was a child…he prayed: "I don't know if you are up there, or which God you are, but please…please let me find my niece. I promise I'll never take her for granted ever again. I'll be a better uncle, a better…" Ford was struck by an epiphany. "Parent…"

Right after their parents died, it had been decided that the kids would come live in Gravity Falls. But they couldn't bear to leave their parents' graves in California. So Ford and Stan had them buried in Gravity Falls where the kids could visit.

Ford made a mad dash for the Gravity Falls cemetery. He spotted the two newest-looking gravestones that said: PINES.

Sure enough, curled up beside the gravestones was a small, shivering lump. Ford had never been so relieved to see someone shiver in his life, it showed that Mabel was still with him. But her chapped lips were turning a bluish color. He didn't have long to act.

"Mabel?" Ford approached slowly not wanting to scare her again. Mabel looked up at him with half-open eyes. Ford knelt by her side and put his hand on her face. "Mabel…"

"Grunkle Ford...Grunkle Ford, I'm so sor-"

"Shh, shh, shh, no, sweetie, don't, it's okay." Ford scooped her up and held her against his chest. He nestled her into his coat, hoping that along with his body heat will keep her warm. He immediately set off for home.

Mabel coughed violently but was still trying to get out an apology. "Grunkle Ford...I'm sorry...I was scared..."

"Shh, I know, Mabel. It's not your fault, it's mine. I should have been more mindful." Ford held her tighter. "I know I haven't been the best guardian. But I promise that will change."

Mabel was about to open her mouth to protest Ford's claim that he's been anything but a blessing after losing her parents, but was promptly cut off.

"You need to rest now, honey. You're safe. I've got you."

Mabel gave a small smile and snuggled against his chest. Her hand curled into his sweater, feeling safe and warm.

"Grunkle Ford?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"I'm glad you're here."

Ford looked down at the adorable sight moved to tears. This girl, whom he had seen run away in fear of him, was now quietly resting in his arms, trusting him to take care of her and protect her. "Me too, pumpkin."