Two sets of memories
Alex asked for a oneshot of *S6 spoilers* Emma's memories from the wish realm remaining intact even when she remembers the truth. As if it was fate rewarding her for the sacrifices she's made as the Saviour, getting to remember a life growing up with her parents, even if she realises none of it was real.
I'm not quite sure why my fake memories seem to be different from everyone else's. I only know they're different because, of course, I have other fake memories. The ones Regina had given Henry and I went we were in New York for the missing year. Jeez, no wonder there were so many villains in Storybrooke, it's easy to go a bit mad when everyone in this town has at least two sets of memories. Although it normally becomes easier over time. Normally, the fake memories begin to fade. Like early childhood memories. Eventually, they're so faint you're not quite sure if they're real or not. But the ones I have from the wish realm seem to be different. They're not fading at all. Nor are my real memories overcrowding my brain, as weird as that may sound. It's like the wish realm memories have been put in a separate compartment. One I can access when I'm feeling a bit low, or whatever. I know that they're fake. It's like my imagination got kicked into overdrive and created a whole new life for me. So, when I see Neal getting all the things I ever dreamed of having. When I'm reminded that for all we might be a lot closer, my parents and I will never have a regular parent/child relationship, I can retreat inside my own head into the wish realm memories created by the Evil Queen's wish. I can show myself exactly what it would have been like to be raised by my parents. Well, not exactly. That's how the Evil Queen wanted me to be had I been raised a princess. Defenceless and naïve. I know in reality; my parents would have raised me to be strong and as independent as possible. Not some cowardly little girl who his behind them at the first sniff of trouble. But it's close enough that it gives me a warm glow and allows me to carry on with the hard days. That's good enough for me.
