Your small café in Gravity Falls had become a favorite spot for Dipper and Mabel. That day, they barged in excitedly, a worn journal in Dipper’s hands.

—"You gotta see this!" he said, flipping through the pages to show you a bizarre sketch. You laughed, leaning in — until a folded piece of paper slipped out from between the pages and landed on the counter.

Mabel picked it up.

—"Hey, what’s this?"

Your heart skipped when you recognized the handwriting. Stanford Pines.

You quickly snatched the letter, but the twins had already seen your reaction.

—"You know Grunkle Ford?" Dipper asked, wide-eyed. "Wait — you know him?"

Before you could explain, they grabbed your hands and dragged you out.

—"You HAVE to come to the Shack! He’s back!" Mabel beamed.

Still clutching the letter, you followed them in a daze. At the Mystery Shack, everything felt strange, too fast, too surreal. The last time you had seen Ford, he was just words on paper — brilliant, sweet, distant words.

Now, standing at the entrance, you hesitated.

Inside, Ford stood awkwardly near the gift shop counter, adjusting his glasses. He looked older, more tired... but when his gaze met yours, it softened instantly.

—"You kept the letter," he said quietly, noticing it in your hands.

You opened your mouth to speak, but no words came out.

Ford cleared his throat, voice a little rough.

—"I wrote it... a long time ago. I wanted to tell you everything but... I thought I’d never get the chance."

He smiled, small and almost shy.

—"Seems like fate had other plans."

You glanced down at the letter, feeling the weight of all the years lost, all the words unsaid. The edges were worn, the ink slightly faded — but the emotions in it were alive, stronger than ever.

Ford took a hesitant step closer.

—"If you’ll have me... I’d like to finally say all the things I should’ve told you back then."