entranceway | 3rd Snow fall / text

[ Snow hasn't slept since she woke up. For the first time in so long, she's had nightmares about the burning room in the Netherworld, of being trapped in flames the way she was during the sleeping curse. So, she simply isn't going to sleep until she can talk to Regina and see about some kind of potion or magic that can put her under without having to dream of anything at all. Hopefully, something like that exists.

But this means that she's dwelling on what happened. Her death in protecting Emma, the fact that her daughter was indoctrinated anyway. And that leads her to late night texting. ]

For those of you that have family here, how do you deal with the idea that you can't always protect them?

[ It's not a concept that's new to Snow. She held her newborn in her arms for all of thirty seconds before putting her in a wardrobe that took her so far away. Snow has fought magic, ogres and Lost Boys for her daughter but this time she failed. This time, she couldn't keep the worst from happening. ]

I realize it's a broad question. But I'm not sure I've ever thought I couldn't protect my daughter before. Not until the past few days happened. Maybe I just needed to get the words out. It's much easier to type them than to admit them out loud.

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This is the second time. Granted, the incidents are 28 years apart. But I've still failed as a parent twice now.

[ But she is bound and determined not to let anything else happen to Emma ever again. Even if Snow has to add another death to her count. ]

Okay, so you fucked up two times. You might fuck up again yet. No one's perfect. But you want to keep trying and that counts for something.

[ This conversation reminds her of one she might have had with Grumpy, really. He's not one for conversations that are full of fluff. He cuts right to the chase, and she appreciates at home. She appreciates it now. ]

I died trying to protect my daughter. Now I have to figure out how to get her from not carrying that guilt. My grandson, too. They both think my death was their fault, but I would do it again if it meant Emma spent another minute not indoctrinated.

[He would absolutely get along with Grumpy. He's never one for handling anyone with kid gloves. People deserve better than that, he thinks. ]

Well, shit. You died saving her life, that isn't failing them. That's being a fucking decent parent. If they've got guilt over that, best you can tell them is that you chose for it that way. They'll either get over it, or they won't. But that's on them. You can't let yourself feel like shit for being a good mom.

[ She didn't expect this kind of pep talk from him! It's nice and even reassuring. If not gruff. Tough love. ]

I think, because she was still indoctrinated, it still feels as if I failed somehow. But you're right. I tried and did everything I could.

[He's good at that. Tough love. ]

Exactly. All you can fucking do is your best. No one's perfect. Not even you.

[ She's taking a few deep breaths, just trying to believe that, remember it. ]

I appreciate you even taking the time to say anything, Gren.

Don't mention it. Figure someone should tell it to you straight.

I owe you a drink. Don’t let me forget it.

[ Anyone who listens to her for this long deserves one, tbh. ]

Trust me, that's the kind of thing I never forget.

[He WILL remind her. ]

3rd Snow fall / text

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