“Wave for you Jayne” said the Captain coming through from the cockpit. “Lady called Darcy” he went on Jayne stood up quickly and went past Mal. “He left his food” pointed out Simon in amazement. Not a minute later Jayne was goin’ past again leaving them all staring after him. He passed Kaylee in the corridor without a word. “Hey” said Kaylee “who upset Jayne?” “Got a wave, weren’t there more ‘n’ a minute and he was outta there” They rushed up to the bridge where the wave was still running “Jayne, Jayne, ya there?” the lady was saying “Jayne left pretty sudden like” said Mal “I’m Malcolm Reynolds, who are you?” “Captain Reynolds” she nodded. “Jayne’s sister, Darcy. Guess I shoulda expected that reaction. Had to tell him our Ma’s dead.” “Well tell us where the funeral is, ‘n’ we’ll bring him” suggested Mal “He cain’t come to the funeral, Jayne knows that.” She replied “he wouldn’ be welcome.” Mal didn’t like the sound of that “Are you goin’ to tell me why my mercenary ain’t welcome at his own Ma’s funeral?” he demanded “Nope, ifen he wants ya to know Jayne can tell ya.” She paused “when Ma knew she was dyin’ she made up a box for Jayne. I just wanted to tell ‘im I’ve sent it to Persephone. Can ya tell Jayne that we miss him, and thanks for all the help, I’m goin’ to keep writing.” And she was gone.

The crew was all silent for a moment thinkin’ on what they heard. “Should we go after him?” asked Inara. “Best leave him to himself for now” replied Mal “Jayne’s not always welcomin’ at the best of times. And he’s likely to be all upset at the moment.” “Sometimes people need company Captain.” replied Kaylee. Man had to be hurtin’. He never talked much ‘bout home and such, but she knew he loved his Ma. Wrote to her all the time, sent her money, wore the presents she sent. “Think I might look for ‘im.”

After searching all through Serenity, she finally found him outside on the planet. First she thought Jayne was just sittin’ next to the cliff next to the ship, but as she got closer Kaylee saw that he was pounding at the rock with his fists. She realized how upset Jayne was, when he didn’t even hear her come near. “Hey” she grabbed hold of his arm “stop that Jayne. Ya are goin’ to hurt ya hands.” When he turned to look at her Kaylee was shocked at the misery in his eyes. With something like desperation, Jayne grabbed hold of her and held on tight. Automatically Kaylee’s arms went round him, to comfort him. They stood like that for a long time with her just stroking his hair. His hair was soft and she was getting’ squirmy feelins inside her stomach holdin’ him so close. Kaylee sighed “Gotta get ya hands looked at” she told him. Jayne moved away and shook his head “Won’t be able to pull Vera’s trigger ifen ya hands stiffen up” Kaylee pointed out holding out her hand, and was relieved when he took it and followed her back onto Serenity.