Mal stared into the curved bulkhead of his ship, not seeing her, just trying to get to that state he used to as a boy, when he’d be thankful for everything he’d been given, and be joyous in his prayers. There was no joy now. Just need.

“It’s been a while,” he began haltingly. “Not since Serenity Valley. Not really. And I ain't ever asked you for anything from that point. But I’m asking you now. Frey’s my life. She’s more than just the woman I love, the mother of Ethan, even the backbone of this boat. She’s my reason for living. She makes my world light up in the morning, and the face I gaze on when I go to sleep at night. She’s my life.”

He paused, closing his eyes now.

“If you are there, then you know what happened. Better’n me. I don’t know how you could let them do that, but you did. I ain't angry at you, since I ain't even sure you’re there no more. But you can see her lying there, hurting, and I … I'm asking for your help. To keep her alive. To make her better.”

He swallowed, the emotion making his voice thick.

“If it’s a choice, her or me, then take me. I'm ready. Don’t wanna go, but if it means Frey stays here, gets well, then it’s a choice I’ll gladly make. Truth is, I can’t go on without her. Wouldn’t want to.”

Tears began to course down his cheeks.

“I’ve not been afraid like this in a long while. Maybe never. But I can’t let her go. Maybe I'm being selfish, and if I am I don’t care. Where she’s concerned I’m gonna be selfish for the rest of my life. But that ain't worth nothing if she’s not there to share it with me.”

Dropping his head, he went on.

“You know what I'm gonna do when we catch up to Wing. I ain't asking your forgiveness in advance, ‘cause that ain't the way of things. And I conjure it’s likely I won’t ask after, either, ‘cause this needs to be done. He hurt her so bad. What he did, he needs to die.”

There was a long pause, then he spoke again, this time pleading with a God he’d given up on so long ago.

“Save her. Please. I w