She hadn’t come down for a meal since they’d got back from Osiris, or if she had, she’d sneaked around grabbing something when no-one was looking. Couldn’t be having that. So he waited up, playing card games. He’d gotten fed-up playing Beat the Clock, and had gone onto Patience before she slid around the door frame.

“There’s a tray over there if’n you want it,” Jayne said, not looking up.

“Hungry,” she said.

“Must be. Ain't eating much, if anything.”

Keeping her distance, almost hugging the wall, River hurried behind the counter, finding the food he’d put aside for her and eating quickly.

Jayne concentrated on the cards in front of him, only listening to the sound of her chewing, hiding between the cabinets like a wild animal. After a minute she stood up, looking at him sitting at the table, his bottle of bourbon and two mugs next to him. “Wanna play cards?” he asked, placing the red eight on the black nine.

“Don’t you want me to talk?” River gazed at him, chewing on the last piece of bread before swallowing.

“Nope. Figure everyone else has tried that, so you ain't gonna want me to do the same.” He turned over the next card, stared at it for a moment then placed it down on the small stack. “Don’t look like this one’s gonna pan out,” he added conversationally.

River moved a little closer and looked over his shoulder. “Put this pile there …” She pointed. “… and then you can start a new one with the ace.”

“Thanks. Didn’t notice that one.” He did as she suggested.

“Why are you here?”

He glanced up at her for the first time, seeing the dark shadows under her eyes, the paleness of an already pale complexion, the way her cheeks were sunken in slightly. “You getting all metaphysical on me?”

He saw her lips twitch slightly. “Have you been reading the dictionary again?” she asked.

“Nah. But can’t help but pick up a few long words living on this boat.” He picked up his mug and waved it at her. “Not sure I understand the meaning of most of ‘em, but I can use ‘em as wel