The Universe's Mixer

Simon didn't know how or when he'd accomplished it, but some how he had - he'd gotten out of the hospital and made it home. The trip to the park had helped greatly, but he had charged right back to work. Whether John came along or not, Simon had to help. Then again, it was the best way to keep his mind off of everything - his sister, Kaylee, his own situation. Where and when was he. Simon had too much to think over and not enough will to do so. John had been a nice break from the worry that was Simon's life.

The doctor rode quietly in the lift waiting. He felt as if he'd been waiting more in his life than actually doing, always waiting. Waiting for the next school day, waiting for River to outshine him, waiting for his parents to say 'yes' because they usually did, waiting for the next patient, waiting for the Alliance to catch up. Always waiting. Now, he was waiting for his floor so that he could get to the door and wait until he got the key in the lock. ( Yes, waiting. )