Diane had left. There were no more words to be said between them, no more feelings exchanged, no more shared memories. There was nothing else to be said; it was over. Frasier knew that he should have felt more than his share of relief, but there was an overwhelming sadness that had crept over him for the past two weeks, ever since Diane left, that even Daphne and Niles and Martin had noticed. Even Eddie was picking up on the change of moods that had overcome the elder Dr. Crane, and was walking on thin ice around him.
"Dr. Crane," Daphne started to Niles. "I'm sorry to barge in your office like this. Your secretary said it was okay."
"Daphne for you, I'm always open for you. I mean, my doors are always open. I'm glad to see you. Is there something I can help you with?" Niles tried to cover his excitement at seeing his father's physical therapist.
"Actually I've come to talk to you about your brother."
"Frasier? What has he done this time? He hasn't threatened to fire you has he?"
"No. Has he threatened to fire me in the past?"
"No, no. Just making sure," Niles reassured her. "Now what's this about Frasier?"
"It may not be me place to say anything…"
"Oh, Daphne. You always have a place with me…"
"Pardon?"
"Nothing. You were saying?".
Daphne took a deep breath then began again. "I hate to say this, I'm no professional, but I think your brother is depressed. Ever since that lady left, he hasn't been the same."
"Daphne, you and I are of one mind. I couldn't help but notice the same thing about Frasier."
"Good. Not good that he's depressed, I mean, good that you've noticed. How could you not? You're a brilliant psychiatrist. You notice everything."
She had no idea. "You were saying?"
"Yes, I know that Dr. Crane has his moods, but I couldn't help but wonder if Ms. Chambers' leaving hasn't taken its toll on him. He's been moody, grouchy, sometimes I hear him talking to himself. Sometimes I wonder if there isn't more than he's letting on."
"Daphne, would you like to come to work with me? You could be a brilliant psychiatrist yourself. Your powers of deduction are nothing short of amazing!"
"You flatter me Dr. Crane. You're always so kind and saying things to turn me head. But this is serious. I wonder if there's something seriously wrong with your brother. I have never seen him this disturbed- not even when Dr. Sternin comes to visit."
"You're right. Perhaps this is more serious than I thought," Niles concurred. "Perhaps we should do some more investigating."
Daphne thought that perhaps she should stop there. But it was more serious than she realized, as Dr. Crane had pointed out. Dr. Crane needed her and his brother more than ever, and there was no turning back.