Story Note: As a part of his recovery, Simon decided to pen his thoughts in a letter to be given to Rill when she comes of age. After Kaylee had read his letter, she decided to write one of her own…

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THE RECOVERY: LETTERS – KAYLEE

Dear Rill,

Your Father knows that I am writing this letter – he doesn't know that I read his letter first. As your Mother, I want you to know that even though it reads that way, he's not suicidal or in poor health ready to kick off any moment. Your Father is the strongest man I know. That includes Mal, your Grand Pa and Uncle Mac; so that's saying something.

Your Father has fought the Alliance, armed men and Reavers. He has faced guns, knives, clubs, fire and torture. He still stands like a man. His scars may take a lifetime to heal, but he's not as bad off as some and he has family to help.

Family, that stands together when times ain't so good, is an idea your father is learning about. I never met his folks, so I can't say what kind of people they are. My own family fights like cats and dogs, but we're always there for each other. And will always be there for you also.

I should say before I go any farther that I love you and that your Father's hopes and wishes are mine. Grow up strong and do right. Don't let a man use you. When you are hired on a job, do it right. Be honest, at least as honest as you can be. When you love, well, find somebody who loves you more than themselves and that you love more than yourself. Never confuse sex for love, they ain't the same – but when combined, WOW, something different and better!

I suppose I should tell you about myself. I was raised on a farm, sort of. Pop is a mechanic and a darned good one. We had little but still had plenty. There were crops and critters and machines all over. I guess I don't have to tell you that I was drawn to the machine shop as soon as I could crawl. Mom tells me that I used to crawl in there and talk to the machines like they were friends. One day they found me screaming at a new part; when Pop took it from me he noticed that it felt light. When he examined it he discovered that it had been made with the wrong alloy and would have caused the engine to explode. He never kept me out of the shop after that – except for schoolin'.

Schoolin', now that's important. I never took to it, never needed it where machines were concerned. Might have had more options back home if'n I'd a known how to manage a shop, not just fix stuff. Now your Father liked school, never really quit learnin' Takes to learnin' about the planets and people we visit, always reading up on medical procedures. And he enjoys it, the way you do the suckle – I'm sure glad your teeth ain't in yet.

When I met Mal, I fixed his ship – that had been on our rock for two weeks – in less than a minute. He hired me on the spot, well after a face-to-face with my daddy. Mal is tough but fair, he's the first to face danger and the last to be paid (he doesn't know that I know and I'm not sure who else knows, but I'm sure Zoë does). I love my Captain.

After a while we were joined by Inara Serra, Shepherd Book, your Father and Aunt River. Your father did bargain with my life, although it ain't likely the Alliance would have stood around and waited while he operated on me. Seems likely his bargain saved my life.

Always remember, forgivin' somebody don't take the effort hating does.

When I met your Father, he was the prettiest and most polished man I'd ever seen. Some of the polish has worn off; don't make him any the less pretty. He is also a true gentleman. I used to think it was his upbringing, now I know better, it's his nature. I hope you've learned manners and properness from him. Many times I told him, manners don't mean nothing in the Black. He argued that it means more. This is a rare instance where we're both right. Manners don't mean nothing here in the Black, but having them and using them sure can make things nice and sometimes easier. Also, there are times and situations where knowing how you are expected to behave can stop plenty embarrassment.

About Jayne Cobb; he has his uses, like fighting, toting and eating. But your Fathers right, don't trust him.

I've been writing this beside your crib, my beautiful daughter. Watching you and your Father sleep. Listening to Serenity hum. Your Father doesn't hear it – it's music to my ears.

I had better end this letter and curl up next to your Father. I really do love him.

Remember, I'll always love you and be there for you.

Be good.

Love,

Mommie

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TBC…