When the Story Ends

Introduction

Time will stop, and we will be trapped. Some horrible place, where everything we hold dear, everything we love, will be ripped from us while we suffer for all eternity. While the Queen celebrates, victorious as last. No more happy endings...

Mr. Gold awoke that morning with a jolt. It felt like he was dreaming still, like everything acted as a farce. He knew this to be his truth though.

It was like any other day... but not. Something felt off...

He had already showered, shaved, and dressed with the feeling. After he had adorned his usual three piece suit he realized that he was missing a vital piece. The purple/bluish orchid boutonniere that he'd always had a special moment for.

There was no reason as to why he adorned it other than his own - he refused to share. He checked the clock and realized it was a quarter to Eight. He best start on his way. He hadn't bothered with making the bed or picking up after himself as it was usual, his maid would take care of everything that needed cleaning around the house.

The air was normal, an average 65 degrees like every other day. Cloudy skies but he still had an odd gut feeling that picked up every other questionable feeling. Like every day he would meet individuals outside their home, business, etc., to achieve rent for the month. In all reality he walked the path slower than most, with his cane to aid him. Mr. Gold would remember the young girl smiling at him, reminiscing on a family he had once.

Hazel eyes that never stopped peering into his soul. Always searching for information, always looking to help even when she couldn't. He would smile in remembrance for the moment that passed too quickly for twenty-eight years.

"Hello Mr. Gold-" His thoughts were interrupted by her energetic voice. The young woman who had been in the back of his mind since they arrived in this town. She hopped off her bike and began to lock it on the metal railing just outside of the diner. Mr. Gold waited for her before opening the door for the both of them. Ushering her in first.

"Good morning, Ms. Foster," Her dark hair was always tied back in a ponytail when she worked. It helped to keep her hair out of her eyes. "Is that a new headpiece?" The speckles of paint screwed with his memories of the headband.

"Oh no, it's an old piece that I might have gotten paint on, more paint, this morning. Excuse me for a moment." The woman grinned as she moved past him behind the counter to stuff her bag below. She wove to the older woman who rented the place from Gold. After she tied the apron around her waist she grabbed the pot of coffee and went around to a couple patrons pouring more into their mug.

While she took care of the others Mr. Gold sat himself in the corner booth by the window. It was easy to see everyone who entered and left. Finally she came back over to his table and poured his coffee. She had left the creamer and sugar even though he never used it. "Painting a new piece already?"

"Yes!" Her eyes brightened at the compliment, she pushed her head band up a little. "I wasn't sure why I woke up early, but I have been up since three this morning... unfortunately." She was clearly able to hide the sleep she lacked but knew she needed. "I felt like drawing a story and it ended up feeling like Snow White." She sighed and shrugged. "It's still pretty in my opinion but I just don't have enough to do art in the room Granny provided." Mr. Gold had sipped on his coffee while she had ranted for the moment. It didn't bother him, it was rather comforting... "There's this building at the end of the block that I've always looked into, but never could get even if I had the funds."

"You mean the three story brick building?" Mr. Gold questioned. He had seen her eyes for too many years look at the building. The words had slipped from his mouth prior to her response. "I'm sure I could make something happen."