SCENE 1: Elliott Bay Towers, Apartment #1901, Day
Frasier is preparing himself breakfast: A bran muffin, yogurt, and a cup of coffee (a finely-ground Kenyan blend from Starbucks). As he sits down to eat, Eddie jumps up onto the opposite chair and stares at him.
[ Martin enters from the bedroom ]
Martin: Morning Fras.
Frasier: Dad, can you do something about Eddie? He won't stop staring at me… The way he looks at me it's like I'm an alien from the planet Neptune!
Martin: Well I've often had those suspicions myself…
[ Frasier scowls and pulls up the newspaper to block his view of Eddie ]
Frasier: Hey dad look at this, they're forecasting heavy snow for another week.
Martin: [ Batting down the paper: ] Don't let me see that thing! I'm trying to avoid the sports column.
Frasier: Oh for God's sake, there's more to life than sports you know. Niles and I attended this wonderful Martha Paxton exhibit the other day… If you look hard enough you can often find a little piece of yourself in every painting.
Martin: Yeah, I remember seeing a painting once that reminded me of our life together.
Frasier: [ Touched: ] Really?
Martin: I think it was called "The Scream".
[ The doorbell sounds ]
Martin: Ah, that will be Duke now!
Frasier: What? Duke?! You didn't tell me he was coming over today!
[ Martin crosses to answer the door ]
Martin: Yeah, we made plans to watch the replay of the Seahawks and there's a giant ham in the fridge we've been dying to tuck into.
[ Frasier rolls his eyes, then Martin opens the door revealing Duke ]
Duke: Martin!
Martin: Hey! Duke! You're just in time, come on in.
Frasier: Dad, I don't mean to rain on your parade, but Niles and I had been hoping to watch this tape I picked up at the video store, it's called "Renata Tebaldi: The Origin Story", he's due over any minute.
Martin: Oh jeez, if you want to see a diva so badly you have that big antique mirror of yours in the bedroom… Come on Duke, I'll get us a beer and you can help me carve the ham.
[ Martin and Duke exit to the kitchen as Daphne enters from her room in a thick coat, carrying a suitcase ]
Daphne: Hello Dr. Crane, got to dash, I'm meant to be at the airport by noon and my car's still in the workshop so I'll have to catch the bus.
Frasier: Of course, I'd totally forgotten about your trip back to merry old England.
Daphne: I'm being put up in Simon's room and mom's in a mood about her phlebitis so I'm not so sure it's going to be merry, but thanks for the thought.
[ Just as she heads to the door the doorbell sounds, Daphne answers it to see Niles ]
Niles: Good morning Daphne.
Daphne: Morning Dr. Crane… Oh dear I almost forgot mom's gift, back in a tick.
[ Daphne hurries back to her room. ]
Frasier: Niles I'm sorry but it seems this morning's festivities have been cancelled, dad has Duke over and they've commandeered the T.V. for a Seahawks game.
Niles: Oh damn, I just drove all the way over here in this thick snow and- [ Suddenly noticing Daphne's suitcase ] – is Daphne going somewhere?
Frasier: As a matter of fact she is. She's visiting Manchester for her mother's birthday party. Her car's still in for repairs so she's taking the bus down to the airport right away.
Niles: What? I thought she sent it in weeks ago with a minor dent.
Frasier: She did, but the mechanic's an old friend of hers who just moved here from Manchester. It seems that following a small misunderstanding he's managed to relocate the steering wheel and pedals to the right side of the car.
[ Daphne returns carrying a gift, and grabs her suitcase. ]
Daphne: Goodbye all! Don't forget the Bovril's on the bottom shelf of the fridge, and I've left a few pre-made meals in the freezer so you can enjoy my home cooking even while I'm away. [ Off that comment, Frasier and Niles exchange a glance ]
[ A beat ]
Niles: Wait, Daphne before you go, Frasier tells me your car is broken down, and I'm not doing anything this morning. I'd be happy to drive you down to the airport.
Daphne: Are you sure? The weather's quite nasty out, I don't want to be a burden.
Niles: It's no bother. I have to get to my chronophobia workshop in a few hours, but if I'm late I'm sure they won't mind waiting.
Daphne: Oh thank you Dr. Crane!
Niles: Frasier, I assume you'll want me to drop you off at Café Nervosa?
Frasier: No, why would you think that?
[ Duke and Martin return from the kitchen with plates of sliced ham and a can of Ballantyne each ]
Martin: Now Duke, I'm glad you brought your airhorn because I'm really ready to let loose!
Frasier: I'll get my jacket…
Daphne walks out as Niles holds the door, followed by Frasier and Niles as we…
FADE TO BLACK