135 DIAGNOSIS

[vicodincrutch]

So it's been about a month since we were trapped in a sand pit or a glass house. And everyone is just as well adjusted as ever. It's like it never happened, right? May as well be a bad movie and a solid tan. Mine's sticking through, thanks for asking.

Now. This could be good news...for people who can't take other kinds of news. I find it more mind numbing and disturbing. We could all be very well cursed with complacency that keeps turbo charged, Energizer style. That would take out the element of our fleeting power of choice. Again.

In other news... in a world without a federal government, no one has to file taxes.

Comments

[dr_conscience]

What makes you so certain everyone's gotten over it?

[vicodincrutch]

Have you checked the network?

[dr_conscience]

People are getting on with their lives. I hardly think their Network activity is the most genuine or thorough representation of their mental state.

[deadly_legacy]

People didn't want a beach party. [This is a meaningful comment.] So, I think it is still felt. But we must move on. It makes it even more important to enjoy the uncursed time we do have.

[vicodincrutch]

Oh yes. Of course. Thinking about it for more than a few weeks must be dwelling.

Gosh. What makes your coping skills so rock steady?

[deadly_legacy]

[Letting it build up into nightmares instead of letting it come out during the day?] ...They aren't, but it doesn't mean I stop trying.

[vicodincrutch]

Trying to completely divert rather than confront.

Okay. Got it. That's perfect advice.

[deadly_legacy]

...Do you know a good way of confronting? You can't change the fact it happened.

[anunluckypenny]

I think not having to file taxes is a huge plus.

And the desert thing... you've got to let things go, you know? If we freaked out about everything that happened, the City would be awful. Plus, I got to spend time with you in the desert. That wasn't bad.

[She thinks you're kind of adorable, House. Sorry.]

[vicodincrutch]

[No. Penny. No. Don't use that charm. It dun work. No.]

I'm agitated by the culture of "letting go" here. It's reached cult status.

I died in a sinking of the Titanic. That one I let go. Partially because freezing to death numbs the mind.

[Spending time together.]

How long have you been lying to yourself about everything?

[anunluckypenny]

[She's convinced that House is secretly a good person, okay. He's not going to get off the hook that easily.]

So long as we stay away from the Kool-Aid, it's not a bad cult.

I'm sorry you died.

[Well, she was spending time with Wilson. House was there, though!]

Lying? I'm not lying to myself.

[vicodincrutch]

[O lord....]

Because poison is the worst of anything. You're right.

Everybody's gotta do it at least once. I don't see the point in apologizing.

[Was it even quality? Penny, save yourself!]

Third world country conditions "aren't that bad" to you?

[anunluckypenny]

[...Yeah.]

But still, dying and still being alive to remember it--that's not great.

[She had a fine time, festering leg wound aside!]

It could've been worse. Besides, it's not like it lasted forever. Some people have to live like that all the time. I'd rather worry about those people.

[as_damaged]

What an optimistic way to look at it.

[vicodincrutch]

Do you think that the birds and animals will help me take care of patients like they do with you at this rate?

[as_damaged]

If a bluebird ever ties off sutures for me, I'll take the rest of the day off.

Would it be better if everyone sat around moaning about last month?

[bedsidemanners]

I don't think adjusted is quite the right term for it.

[vicodincrutch]

Jump in with your own at any time.

[bedsidemanners]

Resigned.

[intheblanks]

People are carrying on. There's a difference.

[Between that and getting over it. He should know.]