"And I won't go anywhere, I promise," she said, her hands moving to cup River's cheeks. Inara's heart hurt for her. She'd already lost so much in her life and now, though her brother was there, he wasn't really there. Inara could only hope that River would be able to function without Simon, at least for a while until he awoke.

Inara smiled at River and leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss against the young woman's forehead. "We'll be all right, Mèimei. I promise." She just hoped that wasn't a promise she'd be breaking.