Homesick for water.

So Emma is obviously mirroring young Ms. Chatham here. They share the same power, and are thematic counterparts. However, she stops before running into her, whereas the past self goes straight through/into Louise. This is symbolic of how Cleo, Emma and Rikki’s story is different from the og trio. This episode is the exact point where their stories diverge from eachother. The fight Louise, Gracie & Julia have is exactly the same as the modern trio, their words echo each other; “you’re underestimating him, the obnoxious stuff is an act most of the time” “friends don’t give each other ultimatums”. In the end, Karl betrays Julia, and the three end up drifting apart. Zane is clearly given the perfect opportunity to betray Rikki. He could prove to everyone he’s not crazy, earn his fathers approval/respect, become famous etc. yet he chooses not to.

Young Ms. Chatham walking into her current self is symbolic of the weight she still carries from that day. She will never get closure from her friends who have now passed, or from knowing why they were chosen to become mermaids. It’s an open wound with an ache she has made peace with over time. Emma will never have to experience that. In this scene, Ms. Chatham may be a metaphor for the older version of Emma. Since Emma stops short, it’s a visual representation of the differences between their stories, and the path Emma will not take.

Another small but notable difference- young Louise is walking away from her friends. Emma is walking with them. She even looks back towards them for support after Ms. Chatham asks about the locket. This contrast speaks volumes on their relationships.