Niles knocked on his brother's front door. He felt so bad for Frasier, being laid up by his bad back, and right before his birthday, too. So Niles had done the brotherly thing and gathered a few psychology books and some magazines to help keep Frasier occupied.
"I'm coming!" Niles heard his father say. When the door was opened, he added, "Hi, Niles!"
"Hey, Dad. I thought I'd drop a few books and magazines off for Frasier to read while he's recuperating from his back problem."
"Just set them on the coffee table," Martin pointed. "His Highness said he doesn't want to be disturbed for anything." He rolled his eyes, obviously annoyed at his older son's overly dramatic behavior.
As Niles set the books on the table, he glanced at the TV set. "Watching the Mariners, I see," he remarked. "I hope they score lots of strikes!"
Martin heaved a frustrated sigh. "It's runs, Niles. They score runs. Bowlers score strikes!"
"Oh," Niles said in confusion. "I don't know what made me think 'strike' was a baseball word."
Martin opened his mouth, planning to explain the concept of a 'strike-out,' but thought better of it.
Oblivious to his father's frustration, Niles glanced around the room. "So, where's Daphne?"
Martin shrugged. "She went into Frasier's room to give him a massage for his back, then she rushed back to her room, and I haven't seen her since. It's weird behavior, even for her. But women are like that sometimes."
Niles considered what his father had said. It certainly did seem strange. Daphne usually stayed in the living room or the kitchen, doing her chores or keeping an eye on Martin's diet. He'd learned from his years with Maris that when a woman locked herself in her room, it meant something was upsetting her. Once he realized that his father was totally engrossed in his baseball match, Niles cautiously walked back toward Daphne's room. She was very adamant about having her privacy, and Niles wouldn't dream of intruding on her. But if she was hurting in some way, he couldn't just stand by. He had to help her in any way he could.
When he reached her door, he stopped short. He could hear her voice.
"Of course I'm sure, Roz! I heard it with me own ears. He said, 'He meant Niles. Niles is crazy about you.' What other Niles could he be talking about?"
Suddenly, Niles' heart raced. Had someone inadvertently told Daphne of his feelings? For a second, he was elated. No longer would he have to pine for her in secret. But then he remembered: she was engaged to Donny, and he was now dating Mel. The timing couldn't be worse.