~Reflections~

Snow had worry in her eyes. "You look troubled. What did Hook want?"

Emma glanced up, unaware her feet had brought her to her mother.

"Hmm? Oh. He found out about the task given to Red and Graham. He thinks they followed Neal back here since they're missing a day too."

Snow's eyebrows shot up, eyes blinking rapidly. "I see nothing gets by that man. I didn't know they were missing a day, though, I wonder how he found out?"

Emma's head was throbbing at this point. She nibbled on another disk in an attempt to ebb her hunger. It did help, if only a little. "I don't know. I'm not sure I care. How did you do it, mama?"

"Do what?"

"All those years of running and hiding and beating Regina at her own game?"

Snow nodded. "Oh, that. It really wasn't about Regina for me. It was… Survival. It's a lot different than what you've grown up with. You just get to this place of needing to do whatever you need to in order to... live, for even one more day. You find allies you can trust. That's how I found Red, and the dwarves. Gather information when you can. Help others when you can. I think that's the biggest thing that helped me, in the end. I never had the heart to stop helping people, and in turn, they always helped me when I needed it."

"All I'm missing is one lousy day, and I don't even know if this sorcerer is after anyone or anything or simply creating chaos, and it already hurts to think about it."

Snow took her daughter into her arms. "One day at a time, honey. That's all you can do."

A chill raced down Emma's back, and she knew someone was behind her. He coughed politely. Her mother let her go, smiling as best she could, though it faltered slightly. Emma knew from her mother's face just who was behind her. Emma put on her very best fake smile before turning.

"Princess," Savas gave a short bow. "Allow me one final dance before myself and my family depart." He held out his elbow, which Emma regrettably took. This was not one of the handful of men she would have gladly danced a second time with.