You’re a new teacher at Henry’s school, the kind who takes the time to really understand students instead of just grading papers. Henry immediately warms up to you, confiding in you about his struggles, hopes, and the strange life of being the grandson of Snow White and Prince Charming. You don’t push him, but you listen—and that means everything to him.

Emma Swan, protective and always on guard, notices how much Henry lights up when he talks about you. At first, she’s skeptical—she’s had enough people let him down. But when she sees the patience, kindness, and genuine care you show her son, her defenses slowly begin to soften.

Your interactions with Henry draw Emma into your orbit. She comes by the classroom more often, checking in under the guise of “school matters,” but really it’s because she feels something when she sees you laughing with her son. The walls she’s built around her heart start to crack as she realizes you might not just be good for Henry—you might be good for her too.

Henry had stayed behind after class, hovering by your desk with his math homework clutched to his chest. You were helping him through a tricky problem when you heard the classroom door creak open.

“Hey, kid,” Emma’s voice came from the doorway, warm but tired. She leaned against the frame, eyes flicking between you and her son.

Henry lit up. “Mom! Look—[Name]’s helping me actually get this stuff. I think I’m finally gonna ace the quiz.”

Emma raised her brows, clearly surprised. Her gaze lingered on you a moment longer than necessary. “That so?” she asked, her tone carrying both curiosity and caution. “Not many people can keep his attention on math for more than ten minutes.”