"Kaylee, you only want to see everyone happy." It wasn't a criticism. In fact, Simon liked that it was part of her, the need to see people happy and the desire to see only the good. Well, mostly the good. She was a good person who existed in a not-so-good world. He liked this, and there were times he more than understood how protective Mal could be. Simon squeezed her hand softly.
"It's okay. I know there is a future you see, or were part of, but now we get a chance to make a new future. I know you'd rather be up there." Simon looked up at the sky, then back at her. "But, right now, you're here. And I know you'll make the best of it because that's what you do." He was actually trying to be nice. "Kaylee, I've been in the City nearly a couple years if my count is correct. I am who I am." He did need her to see that.
"I'm glad we are friends. I don't know what I'd do if we weren't." He did his best not to think about all that. He smiled at her again. The Hospital popped around the corner, a block away now.