Even though Niles and Daphne had said nothing to the rest of the Cranes about the loss of their child, even Martin and Frasier could pick up on the sense that something was wrong-seriously wrong. Frasier and his father would talk about it, but whenever Daphne and Niles came over they would shut up. It wasn't their place to pry, Martin would say, and even though it was killing Frasier not to say anything he thought it best to give them time. Niles would still kiss Daphne affectionately, but the other Cranes noticed she rarely returned the gesture. Frasier was a doctor- he wanted to go as far as to diagnose his sister in law with clinical depression, but he knew that she would be offeneded. So instead he watched from a distance, just carefully monitoring the situation.

After all, he was pretty consumed with his own depression, things with Charlotte hadn't worked out in Chigago, so he moved back home, and quickly settled into the same old routine that he'd had before he left. He got his job back at the radio station, thanks to Roz, but he still missed the comradarie he'd shared with his brother. Things had changed- his brother had moved on with his life, he was a father now and had a lot of responsibilities that Frasier remembered all too well that came with it. So maybe a little space was all Niles and Daphne needed.

On Daphne's end, she knew that things would never be right again. She'd lost a child, one of the worst things that could ever happen to a woman. Every time Niles brought up the subject of trying again she would turn on him, shouting that nothing could replace the baby that they'd lost. So Niles suffered in silence, feeling helpless to protect the woman he loved that were so obviously haunting her.

One day the two Crane brothers met up for coffee at Cafe Nervosa, so it was a bit awkward at first with neither not really knowing what to say.

Just then a woman carrying a newborn baby walked in, and to Frasier's shock, Niles broke down and began to cry.

"What's wrong, Niles? You know I'm your brother and I like to think that I'm your best friend and I can see that something's troubling you. You can talk to me and I would never pass judgement on you."

Niles looked up. "It's Daphne..."

"Oh I knew something was up. Is she angry with you?"

"I don't...'I don't know. I think she is but she says she isn't. I just dont know what to do."

"Has something happened? Is daphne all right?"

"She says she is but ...there is something you don't know. We had just found out that she was pregnant..."

Frasier lit up. "Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. Why didn't you tell us? A baby is such a blessing , it is one of the greatest gifts that can happen to a couple. Why, I can't think of a better couple this could happen to! How about I treat you to Pierre's tonight..."

Niles' sobbing continued. "She lost it."

The thought of a miscarraige had honestly never occurred to Frasier. "What are you talking about?"

"The doctor said it wasn't a viable pregnancy. There was no heartbeat. He never had a chance."

For once in his life, Frasier was speechless. "I'm so sorry Niles. I had no idea.."

"Obviously."

"Oh come on Niles. You know I would never have been so thoughtless had I known. Does Dad know?"

Niles shook his head.

"Roz?"

"I think Daphne told her. But anyways she would probably kill me if I told you. It's something that she's wanted to deal with herself. I've tried everything I can to get her to open up to me but she pushes me away. I don't know. I just don't know what to do Frasier. I've never felt so helpless in my life."

"It will be okay. Just give her some time. Some women grieve differently and the loss of a child can be one of the most traumatic experiences a woman can go through."

"What if it won't be okay? What if it will never be okay? The woman I love is hurting and she doesn't want anything to do with me. It's like she blames me. I hate to say it but I'm afraid of losing Daphne forever."

Frasier just took his brother's hand and let him cry it out. There was nothing more he could do or say anyways so he might as well let him cry it out.