Two hours ago the crew had dispersed following a quiet yet content dinner, Zoë and Wash had retired to the bridge, Mal went to the cargo bay.

Kaylee determinedly went to the engine room, Inara glided off towards her shuttle, Book and Jayne went to the cargo bay to work out and River had danced off to her quarters.

He was standing outside of his sister's room debating with himself about weather or not he should check on her.

Simon still couldn't believe that his méi-mei was able to out wit Jubal Early, through she was certifiably a genius it still amazed him how truly crafty his sister could be sometimes.

He stared down at his leg now bandaged, cleaned out and bullet-free thanks to Zoë.

While he had gave her guidance with a camera scope he was too doped up to be any real help so it was mostly Mal's tough second-in-command who completed the operation.

Is there nothing that woman can do? I mean she did a better job then most core-trained surgeons I know. Simon thought ruefully he rubbed his leg softly smiling at the recent memory.

After the operation he was just as amazed at how fast his leg was healing proving even more how truly skillful Zoë had become.

He now walked with crutches that Mal kept stored in the infirmary.

As soon as Simon could he began using them however he wasn't very graceful at it and kept tripping.

Finally deciding to see how River was doing he rapped twice on her door.

He heard from the other side of the door his sister's warm response "Nín kěyǐ shūrù."

Simon slid open the door.

River was laying down on the floor drawing she was wearing a royal blue satin night dress Inara had given to her

Her long dark waved hair which she usually wore down was pulled back in a elegant plait.

Simon lowered himself on the floor across from her.

River smiled at him and replied softly "You should be resting, I'm fine you don't have to check on me."

He shook his head and thought amusingly Of course she read my mind why am I not surprised.

Simon looked at his sister still scribbling away at her drawing which was of earth-that-was Russian nesting dolls.

She seemed to have a affinity for them and he noticed that whenever River was happy she drew many of them in varying styles.

He thought worriedly She looks so peaceful and happy I hate to upset her but since she commented on my being here to check up on her she must know what I want to talk to her about. Oh well when in doubt... stall.

Simon took a breath and asked distractedly "River you hair looks very nice who braided it?"

River swung the plait so that it was resting on her right shoulder she fingered it wistfully for a few seconds then she picked up her colored pencil and resumed drawing.

She took looked up at Simon still drawing and answered softly "Inara, she let me take a bath in her shuttle and after I was done she braided my hair."

Simon smiled and replied awkwardly "Well like I said your hair looks very nice tonight."

River nodded in agreement her attention now completely focused on her drawing once again.

Well it's now or never. Simon thought nervously.

He took a deep breath and asked tentatively "Méi-mei how have you been coping since... since... Early?"

She stopped drawing and looked up at her brother with a reassuring expression.

River sat up took his right hand and led him to her bed.

Once both were seated River squeezed his hand once.

She then looked into his eyes again with a expression of reassurance.

River then replied gently "I know now that my place is here on Serenity with you, and Kaylee, the Captain, Preacher Man, Inara, Zoë and Wash, even Jayne."

Simon smiled and pulled her into a warm hug.

They pulled apart.

He asked worriedly "Well, why did you almost give yourself up to that shāqì de fēngzi ?"

River wrapped her right arm around Simon she squeezed him once.

Then she exhaled and replied assuredly "I felt all of your feelings before I decided to leave, I could feel that you were unhappy really unhappy, and I knew that if I left you would be better off."

Simon squeezed her, he cupped her chin and made her look at him.

He then said resolutely " I'm sorry méi-mei if I ever made you feel like that, you are wanted by me and, by the crew."

River hugged him and replied whimsically " Serenity missed me while I was away."

Simon smiled and said softly "I'm sure."

She looked at his leg and asked bluntly "Are you in pain?"

Simon rubbed his leg and answered honestly "Yes but not as much as I was, when I first got shot I'd say the pain was about a twenty, but after the surgery Zoë did and with the meds the pain I have now is a ten at least."

River looked at him with a scrutinized expression.

She replied discerningly "You need to rest, but I think you should stop by the engine room to see Kaylee, she needs you more than I do."

Simon asked concernedly "Are you sure?"

River hugged him softly.

Agilely she slid off of the bed and got back to her position on the floor.

Picking up her drawing pencil River began scribbling with the same calming intensity as she had when Simon first entered.

Barely looking up River said comfortingly "Go yúchǔn de bù bù I'm fine really."

Simon smiled and replied endearingly "All right I'll speak to you later méi-mei."

With that he gathered up his crutches and hobbled out of his sister's room.

I guess River truly is fine, for now at least, I really hope it can stay that way. Simon thought hopefully.

Determined he hobbled to the engine room.

Mandarin Translations

Nín kěyǐ shūrù- You may enter

Shāqì de fēngzi- Murderous Lunatic

Yúchǔn de bù bù - Idiotic Boob