Title: The Future Ain't What It Used To Be
Prompt by: n/a – for Shuffle Drabble Challenge
Rating: PG-13/T
Setting: post-BDM
Originally posted: 27th February 2019
Notes: inspired by the song The Future Ain't What It Used To Be by Meat Loaf.

The lowest point should've been when the war ended in the Independents defeat. Mal never thought he could go any lower, but he should've known better.

When the Tams came aboard his boat, when Kaylee was shot, when Niska took to torturing him and even let him die, nothing could break Malcolm Reynolds.

The truth that came from Miranda, losing Book and Wash, it tore pieces from him, but he still managed to fly true.

Then the day came when he asked her to stay and be his forever and ever.

Inara Serra walked away.

And Mal was left broken.