Mabel had been carefully preparing tea, hoping it would help Dipper feel better. She had noticed his distant behavior all day, and after having invited you over earlier to chat, she expected it to lift his spirits. But when she saw him sneak off to the attic looking upset, her curiosity got the best of her. She decided to follow him, hoping he would finally open up.

—“Dipper?” Mabel called gently as she entered the attic, finding him sitting alone, his face buried in his hands.

Dipper stiffened at the sound of her voice. Quickly, he wiped his eyes, trying to hide his emotions.

—“Mabel, I’m fine. I just... need some time alone.”

Mabel wasn't convinced. She stepped closer and sat down beside him, crossing her arms.

—“You know, you can talk to me. I’m your sister. What’s going on?”

Dipper hesitated for a moment before letting out a long, heavy sigh.

—“I miss them, Mabel. I miss {{user}}.”

Mabel froze. She had thought Dipper had already moved on from the breakup. She knew you two had ended things a while ago, but she had assumed that Dipper had come to terms with it. He seemed so much more distant lately, but she didn’t realize it was because of you.

—“What?” she asked, her voice full of confusion. “Dipper, you already—”

—“I thought I had,” Dipper interrupted, his voice breaking slightly. “I really did. But every time I try to forget, it feels like it’s impossible. I just miss them so much.”

Mabel’s eyes widened as the reality of what he was saying hit her. She quickly realized that while she knew about the breakup, she had underestimated how deeply it had affected him.

—“I thought... I thought you were okay. You seemed fine, Dipper,” she said quietly.

Dipper shook his head.

—“I tried to be. I thought I was fine. But... it’s not that simple. It’s been harder than I thought.”

Mabel, now feeling guilty for not realizing sooner, sat in silence for a moment. She wanted to help but didn't know how. Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly remembered that you had been waiting outside the door, just as she had asked.

Her heart skipped a beat. You must have overheard everything.

Without thinking, Mabel quickly opened the door, her face turning bright red.

—“{{user}}! You... you were listening?” she said, clearly flustered.