Before either man could protest, she rose from the sofa and ran to the balcony, closing the door behind her. Niles moved to join her but he was stopped by Frasier's stern look.

"Niles, let her go."

"But Frasier, she's-."

"Niles, your brother is right." Martin said in a tone that meant business. "If Daphne wants to be alone then you should respect her wishes. She's taking this harder than any of us."

Niles sighed in defeat but he couldn't keep his eyes off of Frasier's large picture window.

"Niles... Dad... I have something to say." Frasier announced. "This tragedy-."

"I have to tell her." Niles interrupted, causing Frasier and Martin to glare at him.

"What?"

Niles looked his brother in the eye. "Daphne... said that she couldn't imagine someone loving someone and never being able to tell them. I have to... tell her how I feel about her. This is a sign. What if something happens to her and I never... what if..."

"Oh for God's sake Niles, that's ridiculous!" Frasier said. "Nothing is going to happen to her! She's perfectly fine!"

"I bet that's what all of those people in New York City were saying last night." Martin said. "And I know damn well that when they woke up this morning they weren't thinking that this was their last day on earth. The whole thing makes me sick!"

Frasier turned to his brother. "Dad's right, Niles. Daphne's hurting and shouldn't be alone."

"You mean..."

"Tell her how you feel." Frasier advised. "And remember, speak from the heart."

"And you don't... mind?"

"Niles, Dad... this tragedy has made me realize that we can't take one moment for granted, especially when it comes to love. If I lost either of you... or Daphne... or God forbid, Frederick... I..."

Niles sniffled and hugged Frasier tightly. "I love you, Frasier."

"I love you too, Niles."

Frasier turned to Martin and hugged him. "I love you, Dad. And I know that we've had our differences but I can't tell you how much it means to me that you moved in. If I had lost you when you were shot-."

Martin wiped his eyes, avoiding his son's gaze. "All right, enough of this sentiment. Just give me a damn hug!"

The two men embraced and were joined by Niles as they cried together.

"All right son." Martin said when the circle was broken. "Get out there and tell Daphne that you love her."

"Dad... Why don't we go to McGinty's?" Frasier asked. "I think a beer and the company of others might be just what we need right now."

"Sounds good, son." Martin said. As they reached the door he turned to Niles. "Will you be all right?"

Niles smiled. "We'll be fine. And I know that there's a chance that she'll... reject me. I've always known that. But now it's a risk that I'll have to take."

"It's worth taking." Frasier said. "Especially today. The world needs as much love as possible. Even if it's in our own home."

Niles hugged Frasier once more. "Thanks, Frasier. You're a good brother."