The curse hits everyone where it hurts the most. Imagine being ripped from your home world, imagine the horror you might feel in that one terrifying moment. Then imagine the bliss of forgetting all that. It's everyone's story when they arrive in Storybrooke.
Every day there is the same. Mr Gold runs his pawnshop with an iron fist. If you need something, Mr Gold will find it for you. His apprentice is a young girl named Melody. She keeps his shop clean and deals with many small issues.
On a particularly gloomy day Gold walks on the streets of Storybrooke. His assistant Melody follows him around like a shadow. Together they walk on, all the way to Granny's Diner. People literally cross the street to make sure they don't cross paths with the notorious Mr Gold.
Gold enters the diner first. There's a somebody already there. It's a woman with gorgeous blond hair and a bad ass leather jacket. "Swan. Emma Swan." she tells Granny.
As he enters, Gold smiles and says "What a lovely name."
Melody can barely contain her smile but somehow she keeps herself together. Before her stands the actual child of Snow White and Prince Charming and she's utterly clueless. The future Savior turns around and replies with a slightly unnerved "Thanks."
Emma studies Gold for a moment, clearly unsure what to make of this encounter. Melody walks up to the till as the old lady gets the cash out. With an expression of nerves mixed with disgust she quickly hands the wad of cash to Melody.
"It's all here." she says defensively as Melody walks back to Mr Gold.
He doesn't even glance at the money as he responds "Yes, yes, of course it is, dear. Thank you." He looks back at Emma and says "Enjoy your stay, Emma."
Melody nods at Emma quickly and they both leave the shop. Gold smiles to himself and sniggers. "Regina won't know what hit her." Then he winks at Melody. "Our predicament has nearly ended, pet."