She awoke the next morning with a clear head and a direct purpose.

River changed out of her night dress.

She rummaged in her drawer and found a pink satin dress with small silk yellow daises on it.

The dress was a hand me down of Kaylee's like the majority of her clothes were.

River didn't mind wearing her soon to be sister-in-law's clothes.

She adored Kaylee and found her old clothes comfortable and more suited to her than her old expensive wardrobe had ever been.

River ran a gold plated hair brush, that Inara had given her through out her hair.

Stretching slightly she made her way out of her bunk.

River walked gracefully into the kitchen and found most of the crew up and about making their respective breakfast meals.

Simon and Kaylee were lounging in the common area; they were on the couch talking happily Kaylee sprawled across Simon's lap his arms were draped lovingly around her neck.

River went about making a meal of protein and rice she found she was quite hungry this morning.

She knew the reason for her happiness and appetite was she was finally going to let her brother know that she knew the truth about her condition.

Simon didn't need to keep secrets form her any longer.

As soon as she was done with her breakfast she danced effortlessly over to Simon and Kaylee.

River sat down slowly into the chair next to the couch were her brother and Kaylee were.

She took a deep breath and asked softly "Simon could we talk alone?"

Simon who was in the middle of telling Kaylee something stopped.

He looked at River with worried eyes and asked urgently "Méi-mei, is something wrong?"

River shook her head and replied reassuringly "I'm fine no more craziness in my brain I just want to talk to you."

Simon exhaled relived and said warmly "Sure River how about we go in your room?"

She nodded and replied warmly "That's fine."

With that she got up and front hand sprung out of the kitchen.

He whispered endearingly "Show off."

River chirped back "I heard that!"

Simon kissed Kaylee softly and said adoringly "I'll be back soon I love you."

Kaylee smiled and said lovingly "I love you my tiánmì mì have a good chat and I'll see you both soon."

With that Simon followed River into her room.

River sat down on her bunk and Simon did as well.

He wrapped his right arm around her in a warm embrace.

Simon asked gently "So what did you want to talk about?"

River took a breath and said softly "You know how I've been asking you why the Academy hurt me."

Simon squeezed his sister softly.

He swallowed and answered quietly "Yes, why?"

River hugged her brother and replied compassionately "Thank you so much!"

Simon returned her hug. They broke apart, he asked confused "You're welcome but why are you thanking me?"

River smiled and replied knowingly " I know all about the Academy , you only with held the truth to spare my feelings, were afraid I would become a crazy girl again, you don't have to worry about me I'm fine, I just wanted to tell you."

Simon's eyes glistened with tears he wiped them with the back of his right hand.

He took a deep breath and looked at River his eyes red and bloodshot form crying.

Simon exhaled and replied shamefully "Méi-mei I am truly sorry I didn't tell you earlier because ... the thought of losing you to yourself again was... too much for me to bear."

River gave her brother another warm hug.

She said resolutely "It's okay Simon I'm right here and I promise I'll never leave you like that again."

Simon smiled and replied thickly "I know it méi-mei I know."

They hugged again.

River then said brightly "Suǒyǒu gèng hǎo?"

Simon nodded and replied gently "Shì fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ, wǒ ài nǐ."

She smiled and said warmly "I know I feel the same way about you."

The siblings hugged once again.

They broke apart River grinned and said teasingly "Good let's go back to the common room I read Kaylee's mind before we left and she wants to spend some real quality time with you in the engine room later!"

Simon blushed furiously he shouted embarrassingly "River, how many times have I told do not read my or Kaylee's minds!"

River giggled again and replied tauntingly "If you wanna punish me you'll have to catch me first!"

With that she shot up off her bunk and sprinted out of her room.

River heard Simon's annoyed voice yelling after her "River get back here I'm not done with you!"

She smiled and thought happily He's truly and finally at peace now.

Mandarin Translations

Méi-mei- Little sister

tiánmì mì- sweet honey

Suǒyǒu gèng hǎo- All better?

Shì fēicháng gǎnxiè nǐ, wǒ ài nǐ- Yes thank you very much I love you