A/N: This is the last chapter of the story, however, there is the epilogue (which is very short) and then a five-part postscript called A NEW REASON. I also have a one-off written with some of these same characters that takes place about twelve years after the fact.

And, just to put everyone's mind at rest, your questions WILL be answered ... trust me.

Thanks to Leiasky for everything!

***

A NEW DAY, ch. 33: Look to the Rainbow

***

Simon still could not sleep. Even though he did feel better after having let out his emotions, his heart was heavy and his mind tired as he tried to come to terms with all that had happened.

With a sigh, he rolled out of bed, careful not to wake Kaylee, and pulling on a t-shirt, padded down the hall to Daniel’s room. He was getting better, slowly, although his ears were still bothering him more than Simon liked. Entering his room, he sat gingerly on the edge of his son’s bed, looking down into his peaceful face, flushed from sleep.

Jayne’s death had also rekindled something in Simon, something he hadn’t expected – regret. Regret that he had not been able to spend every minute of his son’s life with him. Those first few months, they were precious, just as every minute was, and Simon’s guilt over not being there for the birth, over not being there for Kaylee had resurfaced with a vengeance in the past few days.

He had tried to dismiss it, as he had tried every day for the past five years. There was nothing he could do to get that time back, no magic spell, no wish that would give him back those two months or the nine that Kaylee had been pregnant. But he still wanted them, stubbornly. Was still mad he couldn’t have them.

With another heavy sigh, Simon leaned down to kiss his son goodnight, knowing he should at least try to sleep. Rising, he was almost out the door, when Daniel’s voice called to him. “Dad?”

Turning back to him, Simon sat beside him again and whispered, “I’m sorry, buddy. I didn’t mean to wake you up.” He br