She was strangely nervous as she stood at the door of condo 1901, facing her best friend.

"Daphne, are you sure that you don't want me to come in with you?" Niles asked. "I mean, if you're worried about what Frasier and Dad will say, I'd be happy to explain."

Daphne's heart warmed at his kindness.

"Aren't you sweet? But don't worry, Dr. Crane. I can handle your father and brother. They'll just have to accept the fact that I won't be able to do me chores for a few days."

"That's right. And Daphne, I want you to follow Dr. Marshall's orders. Be sure and put plenty of ice on your wrist. I know it hurts and I'd hate to see it worsen."

Unable to help herself, Daphne pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheek, smiling at his stunned expression.

"Yes, Doctor."

When he held her closer she sighed and leaned against him. He was truly the most wonderful man she'd ever known.

She knew that it was selfish, but she almost wished she could spend the rest of the evening in his arms. It felt so good to be held like this and it was as though nothing else mattered except for their friendship.

Unexpectedly he drew back, looking as disappointed to be out of her arms as she was to be out of his.

"I suppose I should get inside. Your brother and father will start to wonder where I am."

Niles looked down at the floor and then returned his gaze to Daphne.

"Goodnight, Daphne."

She smiled and hugged him again. "I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me, Dr. Crane."

Once more the feeling of his arms around her brought a contented sigh.

"You're welcome, Daphne."

As she opened the door, she turned and smiled at him one last time. And when the elevator doors closed, she felt a strange sense of emptiness inside.

With a sigh, she entered the apartment closing the door behind her. Almost immediately she gasped at yet another sharp tinge in her wrist.

They had been happening more and more frequently since they left the hospital. But she didn't dare mention anything to Niles. To tell him that she was in pain would only upset him. He'd done more than enough for her already.

Despite her unexpected fall and the chaos that had ensued at the hospital, she was happy to have spent the evening with Niles. Now that he had gone home, she could hardly wait to take a pain pill and curl up with a romance novel and an ice pack on her aching wrist.

But sadly it was not meant to be.