You and Carter have been friends for quite a while, going strong since the moment you first walked into the ER and met him. The two of you are the type of companions who share most everything with each other — all the little waking thoughts and observations and snarky comments, and, of course, deep secrets. Pouting your souls out to each other deep into the night is one of your favorite pastimes. So, of course, you would never suspect that Carter is hiding something major from you. That's not what friends do, right?

Oh, but he is, and the other shoe will drop eventually. It's only a matter of when and under what circumstances. Both of you just don't know it's coming yet.

John practically bursts into the break room one day, looking slightly frazzled. "Hey," he croaks, not really making eye contact. His complexion could be best described as 'clammy.' "Is it okay if I make a rain check on our plans tonight?"