Storybrook wasn't gone for long. It reappeared one year later with everyone in it. Well, almost everyone. Regina was leaving Granny's one night and struggling to make it down the steps. She gripped her cane and the railing tightly. It was days like this that Regina wished she had someone in her life to help her. The woman lost her balance but felt someone catch her. "Are you okay?"
"Yes," she breathed out, "thank you..." she couldn't believe her eyes.
"Regina!" Emma rushed over to her but stopped before embracing the woman, "Henry, this is a friend of mine and the mayor, Regina Mills."
"It's nice to meet you," he said.
"Likewise," Regina was crushed. Her son had no memory of her, but Emma did.
"Kid, why don't you go inside and find David and Mary Margaret?"
"Okay," Henry smiled at Regina and went inside. Emma explained everything about the potion and Hook to Regina.
"Now, do you want to tell me what happened?" Emma gestured towards the cane.
"I wish I knew, but whatever happened occurred during our missing year. Henry helped me not fall. What are you doing here?"
"Hook brought me back. He gave me something that helped me remember this place but didn't have enough for Henry. If you need anything just let me know. I think it's best if we fix all of this before fixing this," Emma gestured between her and Regina.
Regina smiled, "I know," she began to walk away but stopped, "are you staying with your parents?"
"Yeah, why?"
"No reason," Regina left a confused Emma behind.
Emma sat at a booth with Henry and her parents. She explained the conversation she had just had with Regina. "Whale told Regina he could run tests to find out what happened. He may not know what the cause was, but he can diagnose her," Snow explained.
"She asked me if I was staying with you two and then left."
"She's been lonely and has a difficult time getting around. This was the first time in four days that she's left the house."
"So she wanted to know if I was staying somewhere to see if I would stay with her?"
"Probably," Snow answered.
"Mom, maybe we should stay with the mayor to help her out?" Henry suggested.
"Well, we already told David and Mary Margaret we'd stay with them."
"You can stay with Regina," Snow said.
"Yeah, it's not like we won't see you. We could even go over there and bug Regina," David added.
Snow rolled her eyes, "she's missed you. We all have, but Regina needs you more than anyone."
"Thanks for understanding," Emma said.
After leaving Granny's, Emma and Henry grabbed their things and drove to the mayor's house. The blonde knocked on the door once they arrived. It took a few minutes for Regina to answer the door. "Emma, what are you doing here?"
"We were wondering if we could stay with you?" Emma asked. "David and Mary Margaret are a bit low on space especially with all the baby stuff."
"I suppose that would be alright. Come on in," Regina let the two in and shut the door. Henry and Emma walked up the few steps and turned to see Regina slowly climbing the same steps. Emma walked over and took Regina's free hand to help her. Once Regina made it up the steps, she looked at Emma and Henry, "Henry you can stay in..." she had to stop herself, "my son's old room. Emma you can stay in any room you'd like. I believe you know where the room I am giving Henry is."
"I remember," Emma said, "we'll take our things upstairs and be back." When Emma came back down she found Regina in the living room. "Listen, I was thinking that maybe I should stay in your room with you."
"Why were you thinking that?"
"Why did you ask where I was staying?"
"I was just curious."
"Not because you need some help but are ashamed to admit it? Or because you miss me and want me here?"
"I've just been lonely. Yes, I could use some help. I've done just fine on my own so far."
"You haven't missed me?"
"Of course I have."
"Well, you're not on your own now. My offer stands if you change your mind. I'm more than willing to help you in any way you need."
"Thank you," Regina whispered.
"I know that Whale has offered to run some tests to find out what happened. If you want me to go with you I can. I promise. I know he's not the easiest person to be around."
"Especially when you're vulnerable and weak."
"Did he do something to you?"
"I don't know. He's just not the easiest person to deal with. Plus he was pretty passionate about killing me after the last curse was broken."
Emma stood in front of Regina and held her hands out, "stand up." When Regina stood, Emma noticed her wince. "What hurts?"
"My hip," she answered.
"Let's go sit in the backyard." Emma was surprised when Regina grabbed her arm. The brunette never looked at the blonde and Emma decided to ignore it. Henry was coming down the stairs and Emma told him to join them if he wanted. Emma deposited Regina in a chair and then sat in another one next to her. "Do you feel confused at all?"
"I feel like my brain has slowed down. I can't think as quickly as before."
"What about your magic?" she whispered.
"I don't remember the last time I was able to access it."
"Do you feel unsteady?"
"What are you, a doctor now?"
"Just answer the question."
"Yes, I feel unsteady. Why else would I be using a cane?"
"Do you feel that way from the pain in your hip?"
"Yes, but I have trouble concentrating when I'm walking."
"I think you should let Whale run those tests."
"I know," Regina sighed, "would you go with me?"
"I said I would and I will."
"I'll go too," Henry said, "maybe we can get some food after."
"Typical teenage boy," Emma joked. Henry smiled the smile Regina had missed so much. She hoped that one day, he would remember her just as she remembered him.