Ford was awakened by an urgent tug on his sweater. He opened his eyes to see Mabel with sweat on her forehead and tears slipping out of her closed eyes.

"Mabel, honey, wake up," he said as he gently nudged her awake. Mabel looked up at him before a look of shame plastered her face and she buried herself in Ford's sweater.

Ford rubbed her back trying to assuage her tears. "It's alright, sweetie. It was just a dream."

"No…you don't understand, Grunkle Ford. I woke Grunkle Stan up with a nightmare last night too. I thought I was feeling better tonight, but…I don't think I'll ever feel better. I may never get a full night's sleep again," she said in a defeated voice.

"I understand completely, Mabel." He really did. He's suffered through many nights of fear-induced insomnia since Bill's betrayal all those years ago. Especially during his years in the portal. "It's only been a day, sweetheart. You need to give yourself time." Ford tenderly brushed a strand of hair away from her face.

Mabel leaned against him. The only sound coming from her were her sniffles. Until she finally said in a small voice. "I know that everyone says it's not my fault. But I can't help feeling like…if I wasn't so boy crazy...if I wasn't so stupid…" she said as her tears fell faster.

Sadness panged Ford's heart at Mabel's confession. He regretted those times he and Dipper had brought up Mabel's boy crazy phase as a joke. They had only been teasing, and Mabel never took any offense to it. She didn't even see it as a bad thing. But he never would have done it if he had known how much it would hurt Mabel in hindsight.

"No…no, Mabel. Please listen to me." Ford cupped her face in both his hands. "What happened to you did not happen because you were 'boy-crazy.' You're a teenager. Every teenager is 'boy-' or 'girl-crazy.' Stan and I certainly were when we were in our teens...you know, when dinosaurs roamed the earth." Mabel gave a small laugh. Ford smiled encouragingly. "Brad took advantage of you for no reason other than he has darkness in him. People like him take advantage of those with loving hearts. Love does not matter to people like him. And you, Mabel, you have one of the most loving hearts I know."

"Really?" She said hopefully.

"Of course. Do you remember when I first came out of the portal? You were the very first person to greet me with a smile and a kind comment about my six fingers. I've rarely had either happen in my life. Despite being away from home and my family for so long, you made me feel welcomed and loved." Ford's smile dropped as his heart filled with guilt. "I'm only sorry I never told you how much that meant to me before now."

Mabel grinned and gave Ford a big hug. He happily reciprocated while he wrapped his six fingers around her tiny hand.

Mabel sighed. "I still wish I could make it through the night without a nightmare."

"Perhaps Stan and I should see about getting you a therapist."

"NO!" Mabel shouted, startling Ford. "I'm not crazy!" She exclaimed in an almost pleading tone.

"Mabel, honey, I know you're not crazy." Ford tried to think of the best way to convince Mabel to seek the help she needs. "It's…it's like how you see a doctor when your body's not feeling well. Psychiatrists and psychologists are doctors too, they just heal your mind instead of your body. There's nothing wrong with seeing a doctor when you're not feeling well, right?"

"I guess not," Mabel said even though she still seemed unsure. "You're a doctor. Can't you help me?"

Ford gave her a sad smile. "Unfortunately, none of my PhDs quality me to be your therapist."

"Are you sure? Because you're making me feel better right now."

Ford gave a small chuckle. "Well, I'm glad to hear it."

"I'll go if you and Grunkle Stan promise to go with me."

"I double pinky promise," Ford said wrapping Mabel's pinky with his own plus his extra finger. They both laughed before Mabel cut off with a yawn.

"You should try to get some sleep sweetheart."

Mabel still looked afraid at the prospect of closing her eyes again. Her eyes gazed towards the wall. Ford followed her line of sight to see she was looking at a picture of her parents they had hung up after they died. Ford realized how badly she must want her parents right now.

Ford realized what he needed to do. He would have to swallow his pride to do it. But there was nothing he wouldn't do for Mabel right now. He took a deep breath and began singing:

"Goodnight my angel, time to close your eyes."

Mabel looked up at him in surprise.

"And save these questions for another day

I think I know what you've been asking me

I think you know what I've been trying to say"

He learned that the twins' mother used to sing "Goodnight My Angel" by Billy Joel as a lullaby when they went to sleep. It was their mother's favorite song. Ford knew the song well because the twins would hear it played over and over from inside the kids' bedroom, often with the conspicuous sounds of children crying.

"I promised I would never leave you

Then you should always know

Wherever you may go, no matter where you are

I never will be far away

Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to sleep"

Mabel's eyes watered as she gave him a trembling smile in gratitude. Ford was by no means the greatest singer in the world, but his soothing baritone voice singing the lullaby she thought she would never hear sung to her again was the most beautiful sound in the world to her.

"And still, so many things I want to say

Remember all the songs you sang for me

When we went sailing on an emerald bay

And like a boat out on the ocean

I'm rocking you to sleep

The water's dark and deep

Inside this ancient heart

You'll always be a part of me"

Mabel laid her head against him, closing her eyes with a peaceful smile as she listened to her uncle sing to her.

"Goodnight my angel, now it's time to dream

And dream how wonderful your life will be

Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby

Then in your heart, there will always be a part of me"

To Ford's relief, Mabel finally fell asleep. He hoped she wouldn't have any more nightmares tonight. But if she did, he hoped she at least knew that he would be here for her. He kissed the top of her head and hugged her tight. He brought his voice to a whisper:

"Someday we'll all be gone

But lullabies go on and on

They never die

That's how you and I will be"