As always, thanks to my incredible beta, wrytingtyme, who really goes above and beyond! And thanks for the kind reviews :) The second part should not be in italics, but is giving me hassles this morning.

Promise

Cuddy sat with her hand in his. He was stretched out on the hospital bed in the nursing home, a nasal cannula affixed with oxygen constantly flowing. His skin was almost translucent, well past the pallid complexion the cancer caused only weeks earlier.

Her grandfather cracked one eye open and gave Cuddy the most genuine smile he could muster. "Promise me something."

"Anything, Grandpa."

"Only you know where to go. I've never shown anyone else that place, not even your grandmother, God rest her soul."

Tears formed in her eyes as she shook her head. "No, it's too soon."

Nathaniel gripped her hand tightly. "I'm counting on you, Lise." He motioned for Lisa's mother to pass her the small redwood box on the night stand. "Have them put my ashes in here, with my Bessie and hike up the hill to our spot and spread my ashes there."

"Dad," Cuddy's mom interrupted, "you want your ashes mixed with those of your dog?"

"Bessie was my best friend after your mother died. I want her with me. You can have a service, but I want Lise to take my ashes up the hill."

"I don't think I can make it up there, Dad," Lisa's mom said.

"I can do it, Mom," Lisa said while looking at her grandfather. She forced herself to stop crying and squeezed her grandfather's hand. "I'll do it, Grandpa Nate."

That afternoon, House passed Cuddy the tissue while in the library.


"Say it."

House rolled his eyes. "Do I have to pinky swear and everything?"

"House."

"Fine, I promise. Happy now?"

Cuddy fought back tears, struggling with her broken words. "I can't do this alone."

"I said I'll be there," House said, his tone appropriately mirthless.

"Four o'clock?"

House nodded.