(Niles' POV)
Despite the mess the crash had made of his car, Niles couldn't have been happier. Since the episode with Maris, he'd come to a realization. He didn't need Maris, her money or her mansion or her servants to be happy. He was doing just fine, having moved into the exclusive and very luxurious Montana. He was at the top of the world and he couldn't wait to share his joy with his family. Given his previous state of depression, they were sure to think him crazy, but he didn't care. It certainly wouldn't be the first time they thought that of him. His key in hand he unlocked the door and walked right in.

"Hi ho everyone, what are you all doing inside on such a beautiful clear autumn day?"

His father and brother looked at him in shock but it was Daphne's reaction that he would never forget.

"Niles, what in the hell are you doing here?" Frasier demanded. "And what's with the shopping bags?"

"Well, I-."

The glass Daphne had been holding in her hand fell to the floor and shattered as she moved toward him, her eyes rimmed in red and tears on her cheeks. "Dr. Crane, is it really you?"

"Um, yes it is, but Daphne-."

Her hand flew to her trembling mouth and she began to cry. "Oh my God…"

His own shopping bags dropped to the carpeted floor and he slowly encircled her in his arms. It was the closest thing to heaven that he'd ever experienced; that is, until she kissed his cheek not once, but twice. And then she kissed him yet again. The feeling of her soft lips on his skin was indescribable and he felt his cheeks flush. But he couldn't help wonder what brought on the sudden affection. Reluctantly he drew back, his heart warming at the sight of her beautiful face.

"Daphne-."

"I'm so glad you're okay! When I saw your note, I-."

He blinked in surprise. "My… note?"

She went to the table and picked up the handwritten note he'd left for them and began to read.

"Dear Dad, Frasier and Daphne,
when you wake up this morning I'll be gone. Thank you for all of your help but I don't want to be a burden any longer."

Suddenly he realized how the note sounded and he was filled with remorse. "Oh Daphne-."

"I thought…" She paused and began to sob. "I thought I'd never see you again."

He took her into his arms and held her. "I'm here and I'm all right… I'm sorry I frightened you. I just came over to tell you how happy I am! I decided to embrace my life as a bachelor and live life to the fullest. I even went shopping!"

She drew out of his arms, watching in confusion as he pulled a pair of faded light blue jeans out of the bag. "See? I bought these jeans!"

"Niles, for God's sake! You're in denial!" Frasier yelled.

But Niles was undeterred by his brother's insensitivity. "I beg to differ, Frasier. I'm quite in tune with my feelings. I've written them in this journal, see?" He opened a small notebook and began to read. "Ah, here we are; 5AM blissful confusion. Something's wrong, but what? 5:01AM-Oh yes. An overwhelming sense of despair. 5:07 this one's hard to read. Oh right. Wept uncontrollably. 6:15-."

He found himself in Daphne's arms, her gentle hand moving across his back. "I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane."

Her whispered words brought tears to his eyes, and he knew that his façade had been broken. Who was he kidding, pretending to be happy? He held his angel a little tighter and sighed. "I'm sorry too, Daphne."