Pact For Love

House and Cuddy are married and have 2 children. Shocking news leaves them to debate their futures, and their children's. They are elderly now, and their children are grown up, but does it mean that they feel better about leaving them behind?

This is not for everyone, but this is an issue that comes up frequently in my Ethics class. So I'm warning you now, you might find this fic very sad and/or quite disturbing. And I apologise for that, but it's an issue that needs to be addressed.

Chapter 5

House and Cuddy had spoken about it at length, and came to the decision that it was time to tell the children. They all needed to spend time together before it happened.

So another family gathering was in order, this time at House and Cuddy's residence, the hub of the House family.

Everyone gathered in the Living Room, eager to hear the urgent news. They had all assumed it to be a good thing.

But hopes of that were dashed when the children were asked to go and play in the yard.

The only children that remained behind were JP, who was being held by Jasmine, Brady who was fast asleep and Alice who was trying to steal Gaby's glasses.

'It's not good news guys, but I think you've already figured that out. You've seen that I've been feeling sick a lot lately, so I went to the doctor. It's really bad guys. I've been diagnosed with Stage 4b pancreatic cancer. It's terminal, there's nothing they can do. I want you all to know that I love you all very much, and it kills me that I'm leaving my beautiful children behind. We have all faced such hardships in our lives, we have seen children die, and marriages on the rocks, but we've all pulled through it together, and that's what makes us so strong. So I need you guys to stay strong for me?'

They nodded solemnly, and gave Lisa a big group hug.

'How long?' asked Gaby, clearly distraught.

'It could be anywhere between 2 and 6 months,' answered Noah, his head bowed as if in prayer.

'But I still have time left, and I'm gonna spend it with you guys, and that's what's important. I'm going to live my final months with my family, and forget about the fact that someday soon it will end.'

This earned her another massive group hug.

'How do we tell the kids?' said Jas, half whimpering.

'Don't tell them. Nina will probably figure it out, but don't confuse the others, it's just not fair. Maybe once I've gone explain it to them?'

This was responded to with another nod.

'I'm so lucky to have you guys. I have been blessed with a loving husband, children who have made me proud to be their mother, in-laws that I love as my own, and grandchildren who brighten my day.'