You'd finally reached the stage in your life where you were ready to move out of your childhood home into a home of your own. Still in Storybrooke, of course, but without your mother, Regina. And while you would just be down the street from her, you thought she might be finding this more difficult than you were.

When Regina had adopted you, it had been in hopes of filling the whole in her heart that made it ache with every beat. But you'd done so much more than that for her. You had been her child, her little one to raise and care for as if you had always been her own. So knowing you were leaving the nest, Regina couldn't help the ache in her chest. That didn't stop her from helping you gather your things, though.

As you two were searching through boxes in the attic, you caught notice of one that had your name on it. Curiosity got the better of you, and you found yourself looking through it. And then it was your heart's turn to ache. Regina noticed you'd stopped for a moment, and glanced over. A soft smile touched her lips when she saw you.

"You kept it all?"

You murmured, and your mother nodded, walking over to stand beside you. The box contained most of your old stuff, like old clothes you used to love, or the plushie you couldn't sleep without.

"Of course I did.. They're all a part of who you've become."

Regina said, lifting a hand to rest on your shoulder. Her gaze lingered for a moment on the box, and then lifted up to your face. She felt a lump develop in her throat.

"I'm so proud of you.."

She whispered, her voice a little choked with emotion, and you could tell she was fighting back tears.