I wanted to be. Mal bit back her words. There was a time when all she wanted was her mother's approval. To be exactly like her mother in every way. It took almost losing her life, the lives of her friends, and going to a whole different living environment to make her realize she didn't have to be like her mother. She could be herself and be okay with that. More than okay with it actually.
When he took her hand, Mal smiled. "It's okay, dad. We can go from here. No more living in the past." She gave his hand a squeeze.
At the question, Mal looked away, gaze looking out over the ocean. "I'm doing okay. I'm worried for Evie and Dizzy. They are here too. I don't like us being separated. I want to be able to protect them and I can't if I'm not with them."