(House had been working late, and was about to go home. The whole of the clinic was in darkness, except for a shining light coming from Cuddy’s office.)

Cuddy: “Can you stay a little longer tonight, I’ve just got so much work and I would really appreciate—Thank you! You’re a life saver Tammy.”

House: Knock knock.

(Cuddy looked up at House standing on the other side of the door, and put the phone down before gesturing for him to enter.)

House: I’d ask why you’re here so late, but then I forget you have a whiny kid at home. Kind of respostas my question.

Cuddy: I have a pile of reports to be filed por tomorrow morning.

House: And I just walk with a cane for the sympathy.

(Cuddy sat down and sorted some papers out on her desk. House sat down opposite her.)

Cuddy: For someone who is always out por 5:30, you’re a little late leaving also.

House: Tough case. How long are you going to keep procrastinating? Until your kid reaches the age when she can drive a car and get drunk? Hopefully not at the same time.

(Cuddy stopped what she was doing and sighed sadly, with her head in her hands.)

Cuddy: I amor Rachel, I really do.

(House noticed Cuddy was suffering, and observed her silently.)

Cuddy: We have this, amazing connection. It’s just; I don’t feel like her mom, even though I have the papers to prove that I am.

(Cuddy sat up and looked at House, laying her thoughts on the mesa, tabela that was between them.)

Cuddy: Instead of my coração telling me to go início to her, my head is. My heart’s telling me to stay here.

(There was a pause, with Cuddy looking at House; who was stunned por how open Cuddy was.)

Cuddy: I’m sorry. I’m just exhausted.

(Cuddy got up to file some papers in the filing cabinet, and then turned back around and faced House.)

House: You should go home.

Cuddy: I told you, I have work—

House: And I’m telling you, that you shouldn’t be making stupid mistakes you’ll regret later.

(House gave a longing look at Cuddy before getting up to leave.)

Cuddy: House.

(House’s hand was on the door handle, when he turned back to face Cuddy.)

Cuddy: Don’t leave.

(House turned and faced the door, then shut the blinds.)

To be continued.