If Only

River nodded and waved to Tam as she left, returning her gaze to Serenity. "You shouldn't let him push you like that." She told her friend, happy to hear Max making the situation very clear to Alexei.

If she weren't so afraid of men, River might actually find the man appealing, but she could not see herself growing close to anyone ever again. Sure, she could have friends like Serenity, but could she ever share what had happened to her?

If only she weren't so afraid.

"I'll watch over Chris while you get some studies done." River finally told Serenity before going to her bag and grabbing one of the many apples she had brought along.