NOTE: This prologue takes place in the episode "House's Head" while House is on a bus with his team, Cuddy, and Wilson in figuring out who was really dying. I know the arrangement looks weird, but it's only for the prologue and I thought it would be cool. And to help you out, I'll let you know who is who: The bold font to the left is "The Answer"; the brunette woman in black he was talking to throughout the episode. The words in italics are House's own thoughts and are in the center. And the regular font with the quotes in the center is House speaking. If you're still confused let me know and I'll try to clear it up!

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Shattered

Prologue: The Answer

You believe in reason above all else-
There must be a reason.

"You've got something to tell me."

Yes. Who am I?

"That's asking not telling.
Who are you?"

You know who I am.

"If I did, I'd be passed out in bed
Instead of OD'ing on physostigmine
On the 6th Street cross-town."

What's my necklace made of?

Who the hell cares?

"Resin."

Who am I?

If I knew, I'd tell you.

"I don't know.
Why the guessing game?"

Because you don't know the answer.

"And if I don't, you don't.
But you know the clues."

I know what's bugging your subconscious.
What's my necklace made of?

The necklace again…?
Wait- it can't be…

"No."

No. NO! Why her?
Of all people…

Who am I?

Please, anyone else…
Don't do this to him…
He was happy!

"It doesn't make sense."

He's my best friend;
I love him.
Don't hurt him… Please.

What's my necklace made of?

Don't say it.
"… Amber."

As soon as the name passed his lips, the brunette's face faded into a bright light. And before he knew it, House was face to face with the woman that he had so envied ever since he found out that Wilson had loved her- the woman that was exactly like him and got to his best friend before House got the chance to express his feelings. He loved Wilson more than anyone else, yet House couldn't have him. That made him bitter toward the 'Cut Throat Bitch' ever since he found out they were dating. But once he realized how happy Wilson was with her- especially after all of his failed marriages before- House began to accept her. Yet there she was on the bus with him- of all people- after he realized that she was the one dying.

"Amber…"

Amber looked at him with a calm smile upon her features, unaware of the fate that was in store for her in only mere seconds. And House was staring back at her, his eyes wide and full of dread. She can't… that's impossible. This can't be happening. He's been through enough… Even though it was a mere flashback, House was still shaking in his seat. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the young woman before him- even when the blinding headlights of the garbage truck came closer and closer until they crashed into the side of the bus and right into Amber's back.