April 12, 1989

Dear David,

Something magical happened today. I was walking down the streets of Nebraska when I found a kid that looked familiar. He was sleeping next to an abandoned fish store. I woke him up and invited him to have breakfast with Emma and me at a diner. At first he didn't seem to trust me. I can't say I trusted him either, but there was something about him that compelled me to say that we should have a talk. After a waitress brought our pancakes, I started talking about home, and then I realized why he looked familiar.

He is Bae, Rumpelstiltskin's long-lost son. I thought he would be older, taking in consideration that he ran away couple of decades ago. But he must be around 14 years old, and yet he looks like he has lived through so much. I wonder if I'll look like that when I finally find you.

I told him what had happened to our land, but he didn't seem to care much. I asked him if he wanted to stay with Emma and me, and he agreed with a smile. He said it had been a while since he had a family.

I don't know if I can trust him, but for good or for bad, Rumpelstiltskin did a lot of things for us. I think it is only fair for me to take care of his son. Emma seems to like him. I think he's her first crush; she listens to his stories closely. I must admit, he had a rough time on this world, but he has managed. And, so will we.

With more hope than ever,

Snow