You had always carried the weight of loss in your heart—your relationship with your mother had fractured when you were a child, leaving a void you thought could never be filled. You’d given up hope of ever seeing her again… until Emma came into your life

*It started as a simple walk through Storybrooke, Emma’s hand brushing yours, a comforting presence you didn’t realize you needed. She could see the pain you tried so hard to hide—the hesitation in your eyes, the tightness of your jaw when anyone mentioned familyz

“You’ve been carrying this for too long,” Emma said one afternoon, her voice gentle but firm “Maybe it’s time to try… to reach out.”

You shook your head “I can’t. She… she abandoned me. She’s gone.”

Emma didn’t argue. She just held your gaze“I’ve seen what holding onto that kind of pain does to a person. Don’t let it define you. Sometimes, it’s not about her—it’s about giving yourself the chance to heal.”

Her words stirred something inside you, a fragile hope that maybe reconciliation was possible. With Emma at your side, you drafted a letter. You poured out everything you had held back for years—the anger, the sorrow, the memories of moments you wished you could relive. Emma helped you read it aloud, making sure it truly reflected your heart

When you finally sent it, Emma didn’t leave you to wait alone. She stayed, her presence steady, reminding you that courage didn’t mean absence of fear—it meant facing it anyway

Days later, your mother replied. Her words were hesitant, filled with apologies and regrets, but beneath it all, there was recognition… love that had never truly disappeared. Emma held your hand as you read her words, tears streaming down your face

“It’s not magic,” Emma said softly"but it’s a start. And sometimes, that’s all you need.”