An overly enthusiastic morning light accosted Dr. Gregory House through the partially drawn curtains of his bedroom.

“Ughhh…” he moaned into his pillow and rolled over, clutching his throbbing forehead.

'Mental note: A night of pills, alcohol and “pleasurable company” did not a good morning make.'

He clumsily reached over to check the clock on his nightstand. 10:07 AM.

'Perfect.' He thought as he struggled to get out of bed at get ready for a long day at work.

“Maybe he’s not coming in today…”

Doctors Cameron, Chase and Foreman sat around the conference table of the diagnostics office, the clock noisily ticking their boss’ increasing lateness behind them. Cameron was sifting through some mail while Chase and Foreman played a game of “Paper Football”.

“House never takes personal days, and if it was hospital-related, we’d have been told,” Foreman stated matter-of-factly as he positioned his fingers like a goalpost on the table.

“We’ve been sitting here for more than an hour. This is ridiculous.” Chase took a shot with the folded paper football and missed his target completely.

“Your aim is ridiculous,” came the gruff reply from the doorway.

Chase nearly jumped out of his skin.

“House!” Cameron exclaimed, surprised.

House frowned and rubbed his forehead. “Kindly keep your voice down, Cameron. I have a nasty headache.” He limped over to stand in front of the white board. “Besides, there are better ways to let me know you’re happy to see me.” He winked at her.

Cameron just rolled her eyes.

“Where have you been?” Foreman demanded. “It’s almost 11 o’clock…and you look half-dead.”

Chase put a hand to his mouth and muttered, “I’d say more than half.”

House popped a couple of Vicodin into his mouth. “Fell off the wrong side of the bed this morning…”

Cameron gave him a quick evaluating glance as she handed him a cup of coffee and returned to her seat.

“Now, don’t you have some sick patients to deal with or something?”

“We don’t have any cases, so, actually, no.” Foreman replied.

“Then find some. Go down to the clinic. I’ll page you if something interesting comes up.” House turned and disappeared into his office. Foreman and Chase groaned in protest as they shuffled out the door. Cameron paused a moment at the door before turning to follow House.

House was leaning back in his desk chair, feet propped up, eyes closed.

“House”

He begrudgingly opened one eye and saw a rather agitated-looking Cameron staring at him. “Clinic’s the other way,” he said.

“I think we need to talk.” she said.

House shut his eyes again. “No, apparently you need to talk. I need a nap.”

“I’m serious, House. I’m—" she tried to find words that wouldn’t open her up to a sarcastic remark, but was unable to find them and instead asked, “Are you okay?”

“Just peachy…” he answered. “Better if you’d stop badgering me and go down to the clinic like I told you so I could have a little peace and quiet.”

Cameron knew something was up, but thought it was unwise to push the subject right now. 'Let him rest his head first' she thought. “Okay.”

Cameron left the room and House let out a long, ragged sigh. He could tell that this wasn’t the end of Cameron’s inquisition for the day. She had given up way too easily, even for her.

'This is going to be a long day...' he thought miserably.