M.K. Arnold

“Perfect! Don’t you think Waddles?” Mabel says with content as she precisely places the last sprinkle on the eccentric cake she spent all night baking for Dipper.

Her beloved pig, Waddles, oinks - although unable to comprehend her question, Mabel’s face glows anyway as she is delighted by the validation of her efforts. She wraps her arms around his belly, pulling him into a warm embrace, but doesn’t allow herself to grow distracted as she checks the time.

Despite the exhaustion from depriving herself of sleep, her selfless heart pumps with adrenaline as she anticipates her twin brother coming home at any moment. 

Dipper had been distant. Sleepless anxiety ridden nights and misadventures taken alone, the only light being the moon’s beams shining on the cryptic journal he and Mabel have desperately attempted to make sense of.

Mabel, optimistically thought a surprise party would pull Dipper out of whatever funk he has been in. For weeks she crafted decorations until her hands were cramped with fatigue and purple bags appeared under her tired eyes; but with willpower, love, and the presence of their friends - she made it happen. The only step left in achieving the best party for the best brother in the world is for him to walk through the door.

Usually after these nightly misadventures, Dipper trudges through the door at 6 am - disappointed and exhausted. Being a minute until the top of the hour, Mabel zips into the main room. “Everyone hide! He will be here any minute!” She yells, toting the homemade birthday cake. 

As everyone finds a place to take cover, Grunkle Stan sinks into his dilapidated yellow chair - scratching the whiskers on his chin.

Mabel’s heart beats profusely against her ribs as she anticipates her brother’s arrival.

A minute goes by.

Then two..

Three…

Before she knows it, thirty gruesome moments of silence pass - no Dipper.

“Mabel, I am sorry, but I have to go.” Wendy says regretfully, running her hand through her thick ginger hair.

“Wait! He will be here any minute. I know it!” Mabel pleads.

Wendy frowns and glumly waves as she steps out the front door. ”I really am sorry Mabel.”

One by one, the party guests leave as the time passes without Dipper showing face. Mabel’s excitement turns cold as her plans fall flat. Her chest aches and tears cloud her eyes as everyone but Soos and Gruncle Stan remain.

“Sorry dude,” Soos empathizes, as Mabel wipes her tears with the sleeve of her knitted sweater.

“How ‘bout we have some of that cake you made. It is your birthday too, ya know?,”Gruncle Stan suggests.

Before Mabel can respond, the door knob turns and a bright eyed Dipper bolts through the door. ”You’ll never believe it!” He exclaims.

Mabel’s tears overflow as the final piece of her plan arrives - but far too late.

Dipper’s smile fades and he untucks the journal from underneath his arm, laying it down carefully. “Wait, Mabel, what’s wrong?” 

She pushes the cake into his hands. 

Her palms, coated with icing and sparkles, cool her cheeks as she tries to hide the tears that won’t stop coming. As she escapes into her room, unable to control her sobs, Dipper beholds his sister’s act of love and appreciation melting in his hands. The purple icing drips onto the floor and a droopy “Happy Birthday Dipper” hand piped by Mabel, slips off the edge with it. 

Overwhelmed by confusion and concern, Dipper faces Soos and Gruncle Stan who meet his gaze with disappointment.