A/N: This is the epilogue for One Hundred Minutes. However, it could be read after Dragon as well.

Disclaimer: I do not own House.

Dear Wilson,

Let me start by saying thank you. Thank you for being my friend, for supporting me, for putting up with all my crap, and yes, most importantly, thank you for loving me. I know I was an insufferable bastard, and I know I hurt you many times, but I am glad you were my friend. I never deserved to have you love me, but I want you to know how much it meant.

Now I will give you my reason…I am in so much pain, everyday, the new meds don't help and I am beginning to find it harder and harder to function. I will never go back to the vicodin, those damn pills have cost me too much already.

I am fifty years old, and my body is shutting down a little more each day, I am too old and decrepit to try starting over, and as far as love goes, well besides you and Stacy, the only other person I have ever loved is lost to me.

As for my job…well that has lost its luster too. It used to be exciting, and stimulating. Now it is just nerve wracking and tedious. I am sure all these feelings were there before I went to Mayfield, but I was wrapped in a warm and safe drug fueled delusion, and didn't notice them. All this non-drugged clarity has made me realize that I am nothing but a pain in the ass who acts petulantly and selfishly most of the time.

That being said…the most important reason I can give you is this: I am tired. I am so tired James, I don't want to live any more. Each day is a mind numbing anguish filled with disappointment, regret, and utter agony. You are the only bright spot in my day, but even your incandescence is no match for the dark night my life has become.

And now… the apology: I would say I am sorry, but I know that just isn't enough. Nevertheless, I am sorry, I am so sorry for the pain I have caused you, and the pain this is going to cause you. I wish there was a way for me to take away the hurt I am inflicting, but I can't. I hope someday you can forgive me.

Whatever you do, do not blame yourself for this, and don't let Cuddy either. It is not either of your faults. I am choosing this of my own stubborn, free will. I came into this world against my will, but I am leaving it on my own terms…

Look after the team, especially Chase. I am worried about him. Foreman is a good leader but I see Chase someday becoming almost as good as me. (I said ALMOST) Taub, well he hates me but he's a good doctor, and Thirteen, she is going to be really pissed, and call me a hypocrite and she 's right, but I think she'll forgive me in the end.

I have enclosed a copy of my will to you. You are my executor, consider it me mooching off you one more time. There is also a detailed description of the funeral I want, a copy of my obituary, and a letter for my mom. For the most part, I have left you everything, to do with what you will. Whatever you don't want, just give it away, or donate it to charity. However, please keep my piano…call me sentimental, but I want you to have it.

Finally, I have to tell you … I love you James Wilson. You are the best friend anyone could ever ask for, or hope to find. I wish I were half the man you are, maybe if I were, I wouldn't be writing this letter. Please go on with your life, and find some peace and happiness. Don't give up on love. Despite everything I have ever said, I do hope you find the fourth Mrs. Wilson, and that you have lots of tiny Wilsons. I regret I won't be there for that, but perhaps by my leaving, you will have the room, and time, to make those dreams come true. I really do, love you, though doing this might make it seem like I don't. My… leaving is best for both of us, it frees me from pain and misery, and it frees you from me.

Your Friend,

Gregory J. House M.D.