Authors Note: This story takes place 48 hours after the events of “The Rabbit the Toad and the Rat”

River walked slowly though she didn’t know where. Her temples where on fire her stomach twisting, images where dance at the edge of her eyes. “Simon” she managed to moan as she entered the Dinning room.

“SURPRISE!”

“For she’s a jolly good fellow for she’s a jolly good fellow for she’s a jolly good Fe’e’lloww and so say all of us. Happy birthday River!”

Wash stepped forward and placed a party hat on her head “Happy birthday bunny Rabbit”

River tried to collect her thoughts “But you’re… its not.” “Simon?”

Mal stood up smiling “It’s a party River were all here for you.” “And parties need games” Kaylee added grinning. “But what should we play?” Book stood up “I personally like pin the tale on Donkey. God Hates Donkeys”

They all laughed

The pain in River temples increased.

“I know,” said Simon, "let’s play Simon says!"

The crew applauded.

“No please” River whispered.

“Im sorry River I didn’t hear that” River could barley form the words “No ple… ”

“Well since there are no objections” Simon went on “Simon says stand on one foot” Rivers leg involuntarily shot into the air. “

They’re stabbing red hot pokers in to my brain!” She Screamed “They’re stabbing red hot pokers into my brain!”

“River don’t be such a garram drama Queen” Jayne said gesturing towards her with his knife.

“It’s only a game River” Simon said reassuringly.

“Simon says no more yelling”

“Simon says jump up and down”

River began hoping up and down on one leg the other stretched out in front of her as straight as a board. “Why are you always barefoot” Inara said thoughtfully “It spreads disease, didn’t they teach you better than that? Have you forgotten everything?”

“Well not everything” Joe said with a wink.

“Simon says get down on your knees” River immediately dropped to her knees. “You should make her ware more interesting clothes” Inara said absently “a pretty girl like that”