Epilogue
House had insisted on a non-stop flight – no way was he going to limp around airports any more than absolutely necessary – so there hadn't been much choice. All they'd offered him was a late afternoon budget flight and airport pick-up. Tempted as he had been to start haggling for an upgrade, he knew he couldn't push this one. Besides, he was too curious and the case looked interesting. Probably easier than he liked but beggars couldn't be choosers, and he had to start somewhere. He had been out of the game for too long – a few unofficial consults notwithstanding – and the itch was greater than his need to be comfortable right now. So coach and a late afternoon flight it was.
Which left him plenty of time for lunch.
Coming back here felt strange. The memories of days and weeks at a time here in this building were still fresh. They weren't exactly images he cherished. He had mostly wandered the hallways alone, usually at night, with Wilson being too sick and too tired to do much else but sleep. The nurses on duty had kept watch over his nightly tours and offered tea or just about tolerable coffee for sustenance, occasionally supplemented by a muffin or a bagel.
Walking these corridors now and being entirely unconcerned with what was going on behind closed and half-open doors was a relief.
He wondered how Wilson felt being back daily.
Every now and then he came across a somewhat familiar face. Some even smiled openly at him. Exposed to such niceness, he realized that Wilson had chosen well – then and now. He would fit right in.
He knew he wouldn't have to search long to find the deputy department head's office. It should be right next to Webber's office; not a location he would ever forget.
Turning another corner, he passed two nurses chatting in front of a noticeboard. He just glanced at them but then stopped in his tracks. The women smiled and moved aside so as not to obstruct his view.
House took a step closer. The 'New to the department this month' section currently featured only one newcomer.
An 11x14 photo was prominently displayed in the middle of the board, even though the picture would've caught anyone's eye anywhere.
It was unmistakably Wilson and at the same time, it wasn't.
Not even House had ever seen him like this. His dark brown hair, now thinner and streaked with a little gray, was flying in front of a sky tinged with sunset colors. Safety goggles covered his eyes but couldn't obscure the expression of pure joy on his face. His mouth was open in what could at first glance be both; a broad grin or a scream.
House stood for a moment and looked at what should be listed in the dictionary under happiness.
Webber had done well in more than one respect.
He bounced his cane a few times and then headed for Wilson's office.
Time for lunch.
