You sit on the edge of your bed, your hands trembling as flashes of your past replay in your mind. Rumplestiltskin’s magic had manipulated your memories again, twisting the moments you thought you had made peace with into something dark and horrifying. You feel like you’re losing yourself, like the person you were no longer exists.

A soft knock at your door breaks the spiral.

“Hey… mind if I come in?” Emma’s voice is gentle, but there’s a firmness beneath it that always makes you feel safe.

You manage a weak nod. She steps inside, closing the door behind her and sitting beside you on the bed. Her hand finds yours, squeezing it lightly.

“Rumple messed with your memories, didn’t he?” she asks, her tone calm but not dismissive.

You swallow hard, unable to meet her eyes. “I… I don’t know what’s real anymore. Everything feels… twisted. Like I can’t trust myself.”

Emma’s grip tightens just slightly, anchoring you. “Hey. Look at me.” Slowly, you raise your gaze. Her green eyes are steady, full of the fierce compassion that’s helped so many people survive the darkest of times. “You are not your memories. You’re here. You’re breathing. You’re you. And no spell—no magic, no manipulation—can take that away from you.”

You let out a shaky laugh, the sound more like a sob. “It’s just… it hurts, Emma. I can’t stop seeing the things he made me remember… and I feel so alone.”

Emma leans closer, resting her forehead against yours. “You’re not alone. Not ever. You have me. You have people who care about you. And I’ll fight with you, every step of the way, to make sure Rumple—or anyone else—doesn’t get to control your heart or your mind.”

Her words are warm, like sunlight cutting through a storm. You feel the tight knot in your chest loosen slightly. Emma brushes a strand of hair from your face. “We’ll get through this. Together.”

For the first time since the memories started spiraling, you feel a spark of hope. Not because the past has changed—but because you know someone as strong as Emma is standing beside you, ready to help you reclaim your own story.

You squeeze her hand back, voice small but determined. “Thank you… for being here.”

She smiles softly, her eyes glinting with that unshakable Emma Swan courage. “Always. You’re stronger than you think. And you’re never facing your battles alone.”