There was something odd going on at the Mystery Shack. Odder than usual. For one thing, the shop hadn't been open all week. People seeking to purchase something or go on one of his quirky tours found a "closed for construction" sign hanging up on the door with the sound of a vacuum cleaner or a hammer banging inside. They also saw the owner coming and going with his handyman with large packages that he then took inside.

After day eight of not going to work, Wendy Corduroy got curious. She ignored the "closed for construction" sign and walked right in, looking around. The shop itself looked...tidier. Things that looked close to falling apart were sturdy now. The counter had been replaced. And there was an actual door for the "Employees only" door instead of a curtain. Bemused, she decided to investigate further and she opened the door. "Mr. Pines?"

"Ah, Wendy! Perfect timing! I need your help! My back hurts and Soos is out getting bedding!" Her boss, Stan Pines, called.

She closed the door behind her and walked over to check on him. "Whoa." She looked around the new room. "Have you been building new rooms?"

"Uh, uncovering them, actually. And also making sure the attic is top quality with not a single splinter." The old man said as she walked in. "Help me push this dresser into place, would you?"

She walked over and helped him with it. "So...what's the occasion?"

"My great-niblings are coming to stay with me for the summer." He groaned as he cracked his back into place. "Ow."

"That's cool, but why all the prep?" Wendy asked. "Why are you making everything so..." she looked around, "uh...fancy? Seriously, how much did you spend on this stuff?"

Stan cringed. "Probably more than I can earn back in a year, but I can't have anything low quality. You see, Wendy, my niblings are—"

"Mr. Pines! I'm back! Also, there's a limo pulling up outside!" Their handyman, Soos, said as he walked in with the bedding still packaged.

"Already?!" Stan checked a clock on the wall. "Oh, Hot Belgian Waffles, it's already time! Soos, Wendy, can you finish making the beds? There's one here and one in the attic. I gotta go greet them at the door!" He checked himself over in the mirror and then ran out.

"...So...I'll take the attic." Wendy took one set of the bedding and headed out of the room.

--

"If that sign is not misleading, this is the place." A man said calmly as he looked out the window of the limo. Then he looked at the two children with him. "I will go in and make sure it is satisfactory, and then I will come and bring you in." He nodded to the driver, who got out to the open the door for them.

The children, a twin boy and girl duo, nodded and watched him leave. He looked back as the door was closed again and saw them talking amongst themselves. Nodding, he walked on to the door of the "Mystery Shack" and knocked twice.

It took a few moments but then it was opened, and his uncle Stan looked out at him, looking a bit out of breath. "Alexander, you're here! Sorry about the wait, I expected you at the other door!"

"I was not aware that there was one. No matter; show me around. I must inspect it to ensure they will be comfortable here." Alexander Pines said calmly.

Stan nodded and led him through the gift shop. "Ah, don't mind all this. Gotta make a living, hehe."

"I do hope you are not intending to make my children work in this..." He paused, rotating his wrist as he searched for a suitable word.

"Giftshop. It's a giftshop. And, uh, no. I wouldn't do that to them. I figured they could explore the town while I worked." He opened the "Employees only" door and led him through. "Okay, so here's the kitchen slash break room, where we'll be having our meals." He gestured around them. "The cupboards and fridge are well-stocked, and there's a few restaurants in town if they want something else."

"Hm." Alexander checked the cupboards and the fridge before turning to him. "Let's move on."

Stan nodded and led him through. "Here are the stairs that lead up to the second floor, where one of the bedrooms is. The other one is right here." He opened a door and looked in, looking relieved for a moment. Alexander followed him in and looked around.

Everything looked suspiciously brand-new, he noted. No matter, he wouldn't say anything. As long as his children were comfortable, it was fine. He looked around and tested the fixtures in the bathroom before heading for the door. "The upstairs one, now."

"The upstairs bedroom doesn't have its own bathroom, I'm afraid, so they'll have to decide who gets which one." Stan said as he led him to the stairs.

Alexander paused when he noticed two people standing in the hallway. "Are they the help?"

"Uh, they're my staff." Stan explained. "But, I'm sure they'd be happy to help the kids with anything, right?" He looked at them.

"Yes, sir, Mr. Pines!" One of them said enthusiastically.

"Do I get a raise?" The teenage girl asked.

"...Sure." Stan nodded.

"Yeah, okay." Wendy nodded.

Stan nodded again. "Great. Uhm, Alexander, the bedroom up here..."

Alexander nodded and followed him upstairs.

He showed him around the area, which was mostly the bedroom – equally brand-new as the first one – and a landing with a window that had a seat in front of it.

"I'm sure Mason will find something to do with this area." Alexander said thoughtfully.

"Yeah, he's a pretty creative kid." Stan nodded, and then led him down to the living room. He'd clearly replaced most of the furniture, aside from his favorite armchair, and Alexander paused to examine the fish-tank with an axolotl inside.

"Well, it appears to be suitable. Not exactly five-star, but it will do." He turned to Stan. "Wait in the giftshop with your...staff. I will bring in my children." He turned and walked to the shop, with Stan walking over to talk to his staff.

Once outside, he took a deep breath and then released it. If he had it his way, he wouldn't bring them here at all. However, his wife had insisted on the children spending some extra time with her beloved uncle before he passed away and he would do anything for her.

He walked over to the car and the driver opened the door for him. "It is satisfactory. Come inside, I will have the driver bring your bags."

The twins put away their portable chess game and Mason put it in his bag before he stepped out first, his sister Mabel following after. He looked around for a few moments before turning to his father. "Lead the way, father."

Alexander nodded and led them to the giftshop. The door opened with a cheery little jingle and he stepped inside, holding the door open for them to walk in, followed by the driver with their bags.

"Welcome, kids!" Stan greeted cheerfully.

"Grunkle Stan!" Mabel greeted cheerfully, walking forward to hug him.

"Is this a shop?" Mason asked, looking around.

"It's my giftshop, the Mystery Shack." Stan explained. "These are my staff, Wendy Corduroy and Soos Ramirez. They'll be helping you out if you need anything." He gestured to them.

"'Sup, hambone?" Soos held out his fist.

Mason stared at it before raising an eyebrow. Soos moved his hand back awkwardly.

"I guess you don't do fist-bumps or high-fives?" Wendy asked, demonstrating by bumping her fist against Soos's.

"No, but it looks fun!" Mabel said cheerfully, holding up her fist. Wendy grinned and bumped her fist against hers.

"I'd like to see my room now." Mason said, turning to his uncle.

"Oh, of course, yeah. Uhm, there's actually two different rooms. One of them has an attached bathroom, but the other doesn't, so—"

"Mabel will have the attached bathroom." He smiled at his sister. "You have a greater need for it, dear sister."

She smiled at him. "Show us to our rooms, please?"

"Right this way!" Stan went to the "Employees only" door and opened it, leading them through. "Mabel, your room is over here. Mason, your room is upstairs." He opened the door to her bedroom and Mabel went in, followed by the driver. Then the driver came back alone and Stan led them upstairs to Mason's room.

"Here's your room, and there's a big open space here for whatever you—"

"I require bookshelves. I will build a library here." Mason declared, looking around. "Perhaps also a table and chairs for tea time, or simply to read at." He turned to the window. "...Is this town associated with the Illuminati?"

"With the what?" Stan asked.

"The Eye of Providence is all over this building and I saw it other places on the way in." Mason said, walking into his bedroom and looking around. The driver set down his bag and then left to go and get any others. He walked over and sat on the bed, looking around. "Here, too." He commented, looking at the window. "I will require curtains."

"I'll get them." Stan assured him.

The driver came back and set down more suitcases before bowing and leaving again. Mason looked around once more before nodding. "It will do. Leave me." He turned to start unpacking his suitcase. "I will call for you if I require anything."

"Alright, let's head back downstairs." Stan said, heading out of the room.

"When you are finished, come downstairs." Alexander told him as they all followed him out.

--

Mason looked over at them as Stan closed the door behind them all and then opened his suitcase. So far, the place seemed...decent enough. He started to unpack his books first, what he could fit on the bookshelves, and resolved to get that library set up as soon as possible even if he had to buy the bookshelves himself. Then he moved on to his clothes, and he decided he would also need another dresser. He filled the dresser and the closet and left what he couldn't put away right now in the suitcase. Finally, he pulled out his school laptop and set it on the bed, looking around thoughtfully. Yes, he would need to get a desk in here. He didn't blame the man for not anticipating all his needs, and it was easily rectified.

He left his laptop on the bed for later and stowed away the suitcases in the closet before heading back downstairs.

Mabel stepped out as he reached the bottom of the stairs and smiled, taking his hand before they headed out to the kitchen where the others were all gathered. When they arrived, they stopped and let go of each other before Mason spoke. "Father, we're finished with our unpacking."

"Well, then it is time that I return." He walked over and placed his large hands on their small shoulders. "Take care of each other, and call if there is any trouble. I will be checking in weekly, Mason. Keep your phone charged."

"Yes, father." Mason nodded.

"Daddy?" Mabel held out her hands. He smiled and knelt down so she could hug him. "Be safe going back, okay?"

"I will inform you when I arrive safely at home." Their father assured her, rubbing her head affectionately. Then he stood up and she reluctantly let go before he turned to Stan. "Keep them safe. I am trusting you and your staff to their care."

"Of course. And they'll have a great time here, don't worry!" Stan smiled. "Want me to walk you to the door?"

"Yes." Their father turned and walked to the giftshop, Stan following him.

After the door closed behind them, Mason turned to Wendy and Soos. "Where do you sleep here?"

"Dude, we don't live here. We come in to work." Wendy chuckled a bit.

"Huh. What time do you arrive, then?" He asked.

"Usually...like...I guess the shop opens at around noon, so...ten o'clock?" She shrugged.

"Sometimes I come by sooner, in case Mr. Pines needs any help!" Soos said cheerfully.

"I see." Mason looked thoughtful. "So...Wendy, was it?"

"Yeah." She nodded.

"Are you going to be assisting my sister with her bathing and dressing?" He looked at Mabel.

"Oh...oh, man. I was wondering why all the questions." Wendy laughed a bit. "Look, uhm..."

"Mason. Mason Pines, and this is Mabel." Mason looked back at her. "I suppose that you would not be referring to me as 'young master'?"

"I mean, I could." Soos commented. "Did you want me to?"

"Uh, no." Wendy shook her head at Soos, then looked at Mason again. "Look, we don't really do that here. This isn't a mansion, it's just a house. You do all your own bathing and dressing."

"It's a new experience!" Mabel said optimistically.

"Maaaaah."

Mabel's eyes went wide and she turned around. "Mason. There's a goat in the house. A goat."

He turned around as well. "...Where did you come from?"

"Oh, that's Mr. Pines' goat Gompers!" Soos said cheerfully. "He goes wherever he wants."

"I was not informed about the goat." Mason said, eyeing it warily.

"You don't have allergies, do you?" Soos asked worriedly.

"No...just...I was not informed about the goat." Mason turned back to them. "I was told that you would be helping us with anything we needed. What does that entail, exactly?"

"Dude, what does 'entail' even mean?" Wendy asked.

Mason sighed heavily while his sister giggled. "Please define what he meant by 'helping'."

"Oh, well, like you needed a tour around town, I guess, or if one of you gets stuck on the roof or whatever." Wendy shrugged. "You know, basic helping stuff."

Mason gave her an exasperated look. "And yet, it differs greatly from what I have been told staff do to 'help'."

"Look, if your sister really can't bathe or dress herself, I'll come in earlier to help, alright? Mr. Pines already promised me a raise so I guess I gotta earn it, right?" Wendy sighed heavily. "Do you need any help?"

"It would be appreciated." Mason replied curtly.

"Alright, then I guess I'll help you, too." Wendy shrugged. "But, I'm expecting a big raise for it."

"That can be arranged, even if I must pay you myself." He nodded.

"Great. I'll help you when I'm not working the shop, alright? You guys need anything right now?" Wendy asked.

"I'll help, too! But not for a raise, I just really want to help out Mr. Pines and his family. He'd never really mentioned you, so this is a big surprise!" Soos chimed in.

"The surprise is a mutual feeling. No, I do not need anything at present." He pulled out his phone. "Do you have a cell-phone?"

"Yep." Wendy pulled out her phone.

Mason took it and started typing on it. "I'm going to put your number in my phone and mine into yours. Mabel, would you like me to add yours?"

"I would!" She took out her phone. Mason finished with his and took hers, putting the numbers in, then handed it back to her before returning Wendy's phone.

"I expect you to be here tonight at eight o'clock to prepare us for bed and tomorrow at eight o'clock in the morning to help us prepare for the day." He told her calmly. "Mabel, do you have a need for them at this present moment?"

"Soos, do you have a phone?" Mabel looked at him.

"Oh, uh, I do, but it's not working right. I need to get a new phone." Soos admitted. "I'm saving up for one right now."

"That will be amended tomorrow, when we go into town. Wendy, do you have a car?" Mason looked at her.

"I don't even have a license, dude. I'm fifteen." She grinned.

"I don't suppose you can refrain from calling me 'dude'?" Mason asked wearily.

"Not gonna happen." She shrugged, still grinning.

"I have a truck!" Soos said cheerfully. "And Mr. Pines has a car!"

Mason sighed. "Well, then, if there is nothing more, I would like to have some time alone to talk with my sister."

"Got it. See you later." Wendy walked out.

"You seem like some pretty cool dudes." Soos smiled. "See you later!" He headed out after Wendy.

Mason watched them go, then turned to Mabel. "That was exhausting. Let's go upstairs and talk, go get your laptop."

"Are you going to vent on the forum?" Mabel asked teasingly.

"Absolutely." He said, heading for the stairs.

Mabel giggled and went back to her room.

--

Stan stepped back into the house and sighed. According to Wendy and Soos, the kids had just arranged for them to assist them like actual servants. At least Wendy seemed to think it was funny instead of being insulted. The very idea of not being to dress or bathe yourself was baffling to her.

He kind of wanted to teach the kids that essential part of life, but was there really any point when they'd just be going back to it?

He checked Mabel's room and didn't find her there, so he decided to go to Mason's instead, knocking on the door.

"Who is it?" Mason asked from inside.

"It's your Grunkle Stan." Stan replied.

"Enter."

He opened the door and stepped inside, looking around. He could see a whiteboard hanging by the window that had notes on what kind of furniture he was apparently missing. Mason and Mabel were sitting on the bed with their fancy school laptops open.

"You kids busy?" He asked.

"We are, but it is nothing that cannot be put to the side." Mason said as they closed the lids and looked up at him.

"I was wondering, since I'm not opening the shop today, did you want me to take you around town?" He offered.

"We planned to do that tomorrow with Wendy and Soos, but..." Mason shrugged.

"We'd love to go with you!" Mabel got off the bed. "Let me put my laptop away!" She headed past him, humming happily.

Stan smiled after her, then looked at Mason putting his laptop on a shelf. "You know...Wendy's dad builds things. He built this house, and the table. He can probably build you a pretty good desk. He's the best lumberjack carpenter we have in town."

"Hm...I suppose the house is a testament to his skill. Yes, that sounds reasonable." Mason nodded. "Can we arrange that today?"

"Sure, I'll take you over there." Stan nodded.

Mason nodded and walked past him to leave the room. "Let's be off, then."