Regina lays on her bed breathing heavily. She knows it's almost time. She's terrified of what's to come but she'll never show or ask for help. She stares at the cold blank ceiling convincing herself that everything will be alright and everyone will be just fine. But a tear betrays her. "Damn it." She whispers.
It's been four days since the unbearable scene at the diner played out. "Marian? I never thought I'd see you again." She can still hear the joy in his voice. She can still see the dimples on his face. It causes her to wince in pain. She wasn't in pain because it emotionally destroyed her, no. It hurts because she can physically feel it. A life for a life she scoffs.
At this point she doesn't know whether to think if it's fair or unfair. If she's angry or thankful. She now knows for a fact that she was the one to kill Marian originally so wouldn't it be right if Marian's life was to cost hers? That maybe this was a way for her suffering to end.
It's getting cold. Another tear decides to fall and she wants nothing more than to have Robin next to her. Hugging her while he whispers words into her ear. That she's not alone and she'll never have to be. Her breathing gets heavier.
She's redeemed herself. She's a hero now. Henry will have Emma and the Charmings in place of her. He'll be safe. Robin and Roland now have Marian. She has a replacement as the woman in their life. They'll be happy. She's done her mission. She tries to feel it in her heart that everything will be fine. All the people she loves are secured and will be happy with or without her. She smiles. It's not a bitter smile but a smile of relief.
Soon after she winces in pain and turns into a fetus like position. She holds her chest as if it will lessen the pain. This is it. She knows that this is the end. Images of Henry, Robin, and Roland flashes through her eyes and she whispers an "I love you" and an "I'm sorry." before taking her last breath...