Inara is so shocked she can't move. She sits there a moment, her mouth hanging open. And then she obliges, slapping him hard across the face. She bursts into tears and throws her arms around him, clutching him tightly.

"Mal, I am so so sorry. I never wanted you to think that this wasn't serious to me. I..I just..." she holds him tighter, then relaxes slightly, moving enough so she can look into his face. "I do owe you an explanation."