Board Thread:Show-Related Questions and Answers/@comment-24386552-20140324155652/@comment-4975807-20140401045617

I agree. He always had the fear that he would continue to be a bad father and continue to disappoint his child. Even though he and Snow didn't have much of a choice and *had* to give Emma up as an infant to ensure her survival, David/Charming probably feels guilty for the things his daughter had to endure growing up that he wasn't there for. Like, growing up without parents. a proper home. Missing out on the family they should have been. Giving Emma the life she should have had. That dream was David envisioning the life he wanted Emma to live. Happy, wanting for nothing, loved... basically living the life she was denied by circumstances (the dark curse) that were beyond David/Charming's control.