A.N.: Just a quick thanks to Wanmei, who helped me iron out the wrinkles in the medical stuff! Love ya meimei!

Simon sat in a stiff chair at Kaylee’s side many hours later, very early in the morning. Kaylee still hadn't woken, and Simon was determined to be there when she woke up. The sight of her lifeless body, the angry red cuts all over her, the large stitched gash that was now starting to bruise around the edges; all of it made his heart ache so painfully he feared he would stop breathing. He was exhausted, the effort of pulling Kaylee out of the water, resuscitating her, carrying her halfway back and then stitching her up had drained his energy so completely that he felt his head drooping as he sat with her. But he refused to let himself sleep. He stood up as he felt his eyelids droop again, and stood at her side instead, gently stroking her forehead, staring at her closed eyes, willing them to open and relieve him of his worry. And his guilt.

Simon didn't know which hurt more; physically seeing her like this, or knowing that it was his fault. If he had only been standing with her, he could have caught her. If he hadn't brought that stupid thermos of cocoa, he wouldn't have been putting it all back in his bag as she flounced away. If he hadn't let his attention turn from her for a minute like it had, none of this wouldn't have happened.

Going back even more than that, Simon wondered why he couldn't have just taken her to a restaurant. Or to a movie. Or something else that was safe. Why did he have to be different and take her somewhere that could harm her like this?! Why had he let this happen?! Especially after they'd finally kissed, they'd finally had a few perfect hours with each other. Simon hadn't screwed up, Kaylee had been so happy... and then this.

Sighing deeply, he sat back down, his head in his hands, bent forward with his elbows perched on his knees, his body practically radiating stress and guilt. He rubbed at his eyes, feeling sleep threaten to overtake him agai