He was in a hurry. Really. It was absolutely necessary that he get to the med lab, and right now, too! So he should really ignore the sounds coming from the engine room. None of his business. What did he care if-

Oh, hell.

Simon Tam veered off his path and followed the muffled sound of a woman bawling her eyes out, cursing beneath his breath in a manner that he would never be caught dead doing aloud. This was stupid. He was in no position to deal with female tears, least of all Kaylee-tears! What did he think he was doing? Honestly! He would do better to turn around right this instant and return to his original course.

Only by the time he decided to do that, Simon was pushing open the door to the engine room and stepping in.

“Kaylee?”

“Go away!” He swallowed, and looked around. His heart was pounding inordinately hard. There was no reason to be so nervous! No reason at all... Simon's breath caught as he saw the huddled form in the far corner, her knees drawn up to her chest, her shoulders shaking.

“Kaylee, what's wrong?” He went to her slowly, haltingly, wanting to make her stop crying but terrified of what would happen if he tried. She looked up at him, wiping one forearm roughly over her face, not seeming to notice the fact that it did nothing to hide her tears.

“Leave me alone,” the girl managed, eyes wide and redrimmed. Simon knelt, holding out his hands helplessly, opening and closing his mouth. He was utterly at a loss.

“Should I get Inara? Or Zoe, or-” She shook her head, sniffing, taking in a gulping breath.

“I don't-” Kaylee broke off, and suddenly Dr. Tam found himself with an armful of warm, sobbing mechanic. She latched her arms around his neck, burying her face in the curve where his shoulder met his throat, and shuddered out her sorrow.

“Uh,” Simon said eloquently. He could see his reflection in the mirror nailed to the wall opposite where he knelt, and thought he had never seen his eyes that shocked.

“M-my ma, she just- just- just waved me, and-” Breath. Gasp. “My dog, sh