The ship pulsated under her feet as River dipped and swayed down the corridor, her dress spinning about her, a wave of fabric which whipped to and fro against her body in step with the rhythm of her dance. On passing the Infirmary River smoothed her hands against the walls, she took in Serenity’s scent and listened to her pulse. She danced a circuit around the table before coming to a sudden stop.

The walls were breathing.

River shook and spun around, all about her the walls were dragging themselves closer to her, crushing her. They whispered and screamed, bellowing at her nonsensical words. She cried out in shock, stumbling over the corner of a chair, tumbling ungracefully onto the floor. All around the ship was closing in on her, screaming for her to get out, to leave, to run, and as the air tightened around her neck, River screamed for Serenity to stop. Then all at once the ship retreated back into itself; and Simon was there.

“Help, why won’t she stop, she wants to cut me out of her belly…remove the infected part…” River cried, gripping his arms as she tried to bury herself in him. Without a word he wrapped her up, pulled her against his chest and began to rock her back and forth.

“Listen mei mei, listen to my heart, you hear it?”

She did, and its soft, rhythmic beat comforted her. He was constant, tangible. He brought her back.

“Come, you should lay down, I would like to see how you are today.”

River moaned, pushing him away. She curled up into a foetal position.

“We need not hurry at all, let’s just sit.” Simon settled himself next to River, stroking her hair whilst she rocked herself back and forth.

“She’s imaginary Simon.” River’s voice emanated from between her knees.

“Who is, River?”

“Something that comes when you don’t expect it to, you listened to the Sirens too closely and now you are being pulled towards the rocks.” River uncurled herself and stood up, heading towards the infirmary. “We all have to wake up, but you have to start with me first.”

***

Hidden amongst tins