Quickly pulling into the parking lot beside the town's only grocery store, Emma checked over the list she had snagged from Regina's fridge. Most of the items were, predictably fresh foods, although the Rocky Road ice cream did make her smile.
Quickly pacing through the store, Emma gathered everything on the list. The clerk gave her a quizzical look at some of her purchases, such as the organic kale, but she ignored him, and finished loading everything into the bags she had brought from Regina's, something she never herself did as.
As she was finishing putting the groceries away, Emma felt her phone vibrate, and saw from Henry that they were on their way back to the house. Quickly stowing everything away again, and double checking that she hadn't missed anything, Emma made her way out the front door, locking it again behind her.
Rushing to the bug, Emma glanced in the rear-view mirror, noting the two figures slowly making their way towards the mansion. Not wanting to be caught, Emma started her car, and pulled away, smiling at all she had been able to accomplish today.
It hadn't meant to be a big production, but Emma knew how much pride Regina took in her home, and in the appearance of control. Being unable to do many of the usual things she did to maintain that appearance had to be beyond difficult for the strong woman. And like Emma herself, she would never ask for help.
Having felt helpless more times that she could count in her life, Emma knew the cost of asking for help from those who you knew would not give it, and the old wounds never fully healed for her. So she knew she wouldn't make her ask. She would just do, and hope the former mayor understood.
Pulling to a stop outside her parent's apartment, Emma again felt her phone buzz in her pocket. Checking it, she couldn't help the small smile that graced her lips. It was a single word, one she had not expected, but cherished none the less for its significance. "Thanks."