How are you and the little man? Is he using the big boy potty yet? Tell him Emma says happy birthday.
I'll be safe. I promise.
Emma
April 22 2003
Emma,
You have no idea how relieving it was to see your letter in my mailbox. My apologies for the second letter. I was just worried when it had been a while since I heard from you, and I saw on the news of the invasion, and my mind went rampant. I realize our communication won't be as frequent as we're used to, but I'm so glad you've landed safely and that you're okay. Please have your scrapes looked at. You may think it nothing, but you don't know what type of infection or bacteria you could pick up from an unclean wound. It's better to be safe than sorry.
I don't think Henry will be using the toilet anytime soon. His favourite word right now is "no." All the books I've read say that every child is different and they will learn at their own pace. They advise not to push your child into something they're not ready for. However, I don't think they were prepared for a child like Henry who prefers to wear his big boy briefs and consistently wets the bed. The books also say it's helpful if your child watches the parent of the same sex go to the washroom, but you understand my predicament on that one. I hope I'm not hindering his growth or development because he doesn't have a father.
I'm doing better now. I'm looking forward to when it isn't constantly raining so that I can go outside and get some gardening done. You should see how beautiful my flowers are when they're in bloom. When I was a child, my father and I used to picnic under my Honey Crisp tree the first day it was dry and bright enough. Those are the apples I use for my turnovers, so guard that secret with your life.
Henry sends his love and his thanks.
Stay safe, Emma.
Regina
May 31 2003
Hi Regina,
I got looked at. No infections or diseases or bacteria. Don't worry. It's gonna take a lot more than some burns and bruises to take me down.
Ah, he's hit the terrible twos, has he? I don't envy you for that. You're not hindering his growth. I knew a couple of single moms growing up who had little boys who turned out amazing. Except the one that grew up to be an axe murderer... I'm kidding! Seriously though, when Henry's ready, he'll let you know, and you're not gonna learn that from a book or an Internet search.
Did you just reveal your secret ingredient so soon? Well then. I think now the only thing left to do is to actually try this turnover. Are you busy sometime next April? And I suggest you go apple picking before then to welcome my arrival.
Stay awesome, Regina.
Emma
July 20 2003
Emma,
Thank you for the postcard. It looks like a beautiful city despite the reasons behind your presence there.
This was the best postcard Storybrooke had to offer. I'll have to have a talk with someone to photograph better scenery and landmarks. It's our clock tower. It hasn't worked for as long as I can remember, but it's part of our town history.
Stay safe.
Regina
August 13 2003
The kid went to the bathroom by himself! What? That is amazing! Tell him I appreciate the drawing of him on the toilet. Purple hair, huh? I think the kid is trying to tell you something. His inner rebel is showing early.
I found this really neat keychain. I thought you might like it. Well I didn't find it, I bought it off some kids selling in the market. I think they made it themselves, so it's cute. If it didn't get confiscated on its way to you, the bead colours are their flag. I know it's not much, but that's the start of me making it up to you for all those birthday and Christmas gifts you've sent to me.
Emma
August 31 2003
Emma,
Thank you for the gift. I love it. Henry has already taken to playing with it when he steals my keys from the front table. Lately he's been taking them from the front table, and if it weren't for the jangling of him, I would never find them. His most notable hiding places, however, has been the vegetable crisper and inside his toy chest.
Henry and I will be travelling to New York for a week tomorrow. I haven't taken him out of Storybrooke, and to be honest I haven't left the town myself since I adopted him, so I'm quite anxious to leave town. I can't remember the last time I had a vacation. I packed Henry's suitcase only to find that he removed all his clothing and replaced them with his toys.
As a former resident of the big city, do you have any suggestions for sightseeing activities? The itinerary I planned for the week may be missing some highlights.
Stay safe.
Regina
October 13 2003
August got hurt. Really badly. I don't even know how that went down, it all happened so fast. We were driving, just doing a patrol, and it wasn't different from the patrols we do any other day, and then there's just this explosion and screaming and bullets flying and next thing I see is August on the ground and he's red and his leg - god it was bad before but now it's just. I don't know. Me and Neal covered for him and we got him out of there, but what if it's too late?
He got looked at. The doctors are checking over him right now, but he's been in the infirmary for the last day and I don't know what's gonna happen to him. He looked really bad. He's like the only family I have. I should have done something. I should have warned him. I should have seen it coming. He's the better leader, he's the better fighter, and what's gonna happen if he's gone?
I'm sorry I don't mean to throw all this on you. I just don't know who to talk to right now. I usually talk to August but I can't. What if something happens to him? Neal says he's gonna be okay, but what if he's not? They train you for every situation and you're supposed to know every move, but it's not the same when it actually happens. When people die in front of you and you just have to keep going like nothing happened. Like these people that you're living with for years and years aren't worth anything when they're shot or worse. You're supposed to push it down and follow orders but god it was August.
October 30 2003
Emma I am so sorry. I truly hope that he's okay and that he recovers. If there's anything I can do - perhaps I can contact his hometown or any friends or family for him. He may need extensive medical attention. Maybe there's strings I can pull or anything.
Emma, I know you are scared right now, and I know this may get to you too little too late, but you are not alone. August is your family, yes, but there are others who care about you as well. Your team, even Henry and myself. We would all care if anything were to happen to you, so please do not do anything rash in your state.
You'll be home soon, Emma. Take care of yourself, and be safe.
Regina
November 12 2003
Hey,