Although he'd tossed and turned all night, he finally managed to get some sleep. In the wee small hours of the morning, he undressed and climbed into bed wearing only his boxers, not to entice her into making love on a whim (although he would have loved nothing more. Their makeup lovemaking sessions were always nothing less than blissful), but because he was so worn out that he couldn't manage the energy to put on his pajamas.

He woke up early, pleased to find that she was still in bed beside him. He did not touch her, for he was determined to be as careful as possible. He knew that he needed to apologize in the most gentle of ways. And so he climbed out of bed, showered and dressed, hoping he looked as dashing as he felt. Then he hurried downstairs and prepared a delectable breakfast which he placed on a tray and added a red rose. She was sure to forgive him or at least be grateful for his efforts.

His heart raced as he pressed his hand against the doorknob and slowly opened the door.

"Room service, madam. I-."

He froze when he realized that she was no longer in the room. Curious, he sat the tray on the dresser and entered the bedroom. "Daphne?"

He could hear the shower water running but it stopped abruptly. His heart sank with disappointment for nothing was more romantic than serving his love breakfast in bed.

After a few moments, the bathroom door opened and she appeared, looking so beautiful even with her damp hair and no makeup that it took his breath away.

"Good morning my love." He went to her but his attempts to kiss her were thwarted when she turned her head. It was as though she'd stuck a knife in his heart. Never before had she resisted his attempts at romance.

"Niles." She said in a tone that made him shudder. It was almost exactly the way that Mel and Maris had uttered his name at one point or another. He swallowed hard.

"Did you sleep well?"

She said nothing and went to the closet, returning with a beautiful silk green dress.

"Oh, one of my favorites!" He said light-heartedly. "You'll look absolutely beautiful, although you always look beautiful no matter what you wear. I-."

To his confusion, she returned to the closet and then to the bed, carrying several more articles of clothing on hangers, which she laid across the bed. When she began removing the hangers, he was even more confused.

"Don't you like those clothes anymore? Sweetheart, I know you have a lot of clothes, but I've told you before, you don't have to-."

He stopped speaking when he noticed that she had left the room once more and returned with a suitcase, and another, and another…

Dear God…

"Daphne…"

She said nothing, just removed the clothes from the hangers and folded them neatly before stuffing them into the suitcases. And then she did the same with clothes from her dresser drawer, nearly cleaning out everything she owned; her lingerie, socks, nightgowns, t-shirts, jeans… the list went on and on…

"Daphne, what's happening? What are you doing?"

When the suitcases were full and the closet and dresser were empty, save for his wardrobe he rose from the bed and went to her. Once again his attempt to touch her cheek was thwarted by a slight move of her face; another stab in his heart.

"Daphne, my love… please, what's wrong? Why are you packing?"

He knew the answer and he knew it well, but it was the confirmation that struck him blind. She turned to face him and looked directly into his eyes.

"I'm leaving you Niles."