INT. PRINCETON PLAINSBORO TEACHING HOSPITAL - DIAGNOSTIC OFFICE - DAY
The diagnostic office is abuzz with activity. Dr. Gregory House is seated at his desk, his focus entirely on a stack of medical records. Dr. Allison Cameron, his colleague and Carl Gallagher's adopted mother, is reviewing patient charts. Dr. Robert Chase and Dr. Eric Foreman are huddled over a laptop, arguing over the latest test results.
Carl Gallagher lounges in one of the office chairs, earbuds in, music blasting, while he casually scrolls through his phone. Occasionally, he glances at the others but mostly remains absorbed in his own world.
House
(Without looking up)
So, who's our mystery patient today? Or are we just diagnosing a particularly troublesome case of boredom?
Chase
(Sarcastically)
If you think you're bored, try listening to Foreman explain the minutiae of liver function for the hundredth time.
Foreman
(Defensively)
Liver function is critical, Chase. But if you'd actually pay attention, you might learn something.
Cameron
(Glancing at Carl)
Carl, could you try to focus a bit more? We're working here.
Carl
(Pulling out an earbud)
What's up? I'm just chilling. You guys seem to have it under control.
House
(Turning around, smirking)
Carl's got the right idea. I mean, why stress when we've got Cameron running the show?
Cameron
(Raising an eyebrow)
And what exactly is that supposed to mean?
House
(Pulling a face)
Just that you're better at juggling diagnostics and nagging than the rest of us combined.
Foreman
(Annoyed)
You know, House, we're actually making progress here. We've got a few leads on the patient's condition.
Chase
(Tapping the laptop)
We're leaning towards a rare autoimmune disorder. The symptoms match, but we need more tests.
Cameron
(Still looking at Carl)
It's just that, sometimes, it's hard to concentrate with... distractions.
Carl
(Smiling)
Hey, I'm right here. I'm not doing anything.
House
(Smirking)
Exactly. Which is probably why the rest of us have to work twice as hard. But don't worry, Carl. If the patient survives, it'll be because of our collective brilliance, not your lack of involvement.
Carl
(Grinning)
Sounds fair. I'll leave you guys to it then. I've got some music to get back to.
Cameron
(Gently)
Carl, you know you can help out if you want. We could use an extra pair of hands, even if it's just to grab coffee or something.
Carl
(Looking up)
Sure thing. I'll keep an ear out.
As Carl puts his earbuds back in, House looks over at Cameron with a rare flicker of sympathy.
House
(Quietly)
You're doing a good job, Cameron. Not that I'd tell you this often.
Cameron
(Smiling slightly)
Thanks, House. I'll take what I can get.
House
(Nodding)
Now, let's solve this puzzle before someone decides to make it more complicated.
The team gets back to work with renewed energy, while Carl settles back into his chair, music blaring, content in his own world. The room fills with the sound of typing and low conversation as House and his team delve into the intricacies of their latest medical mystery.
