Prologue
Wilson had found refuge in his office that day, eating his hot hoagie by himself, feet propped up on his desk, radio playing some old jazz music.
He hadn't eaten in the hospital cafeteria since Amber had passed. It brought back too many painful memories of lunch dates taken between patients. He couldn't face all of those sympathetic faces. He was still alive yet everyone was feeling sorry for him, not the woman whose life ended much too soon.
He would often listen to his music loud, trying to drown out the sad thoughts that crept into his head. It had, after all, only been six months. Sure, House had tried to lure him out of his office with the promise of paying for lunch but Wilson had always declined.
He preferred to be on his own during those 30 minutes. Time to clear his mind for his next round of afternoon patients.
Wilson set down his sandwich to grab for his soda when he felt someone looking down on him.
It was Cameron. She was standing there in her ER scrubs looking a bit uncomfortable. He drew his brows together curiously. Cameron never visited his office unless it was about….
Wilson quickly grabbed for the remote of his stereo, turning it down to a more modest level.
"Well hello there Dr. Cameron. How are you this afternoon?" he asked with a smile, hoping House hadn't done anything too stupid this time. He remained seated casually at his desk, foot tapping atop it.
"I'm just fine Wilson…" she replied quietly. There was an odd pause, one Wilson perhaps knew too well.
"And I'm hoping I don't owe Dr. House my thanks for this particular visit?"
She quickly shook her head.
"I-I…" she stammered a bit. "I'm here because I discovered a lump," she said quietly, "in my left breast while I was in the shower. I-I know it's probably nothing, but…I mean…I don't want to be a bother." She seemed apprehensive about discussing such a personal matter with a colleague, her face starting to look slightly flush.
Wilson quickly turned off the stereo, removed his feet from his desk, and pushed his lunch to the side. "Cameron, you're not being a bother. It's my job," he assured her. "Let's see," he said as he scanned his afternoon agenda quickly. "I'm pretty booked up this afternoon… Wait, I think I can squeeze you in. Does four o'clock work for you?"
"Yes. Yes, that would be fine," Cameron replied with a slight smile. "Thank you Dr. Wilson. I'll see you this afternoon."
She seemed nervous, but it was understandable. Wilson had dealt with this many times before; any normal human would be troubled at the thought that they might have cancer. Even a small lump, after all, could be a huge deal.
He watched as she left, the door closing behind her, and for some reason he had a bad feeling.