"Daphne, what are you doing in here?" The sound of Niles voice made her jump and she turned around in surprise.
"Dr. Crane!"
He stood in the doorway, smiling at her and then walked into the kitchen.
"Oh... I'm sorry Daphne. I didn't mean to frighten you. I heard a noise and I wanted to make sure that you were okay."
Her heart warmed at his concern. "Thank you, but I'm fine. I just thought I'd make you some breakfast before I go."
His eyebrows rose. "Go? But why?"
"Your brother and father are probably furious that I ran out the way I did."
"But Daphne, you had every right to leave! You were being ridiculed and you were completely distraught!"
She blinked back tears, remembering. "I-I know, but your brother is my employer and if I don't get back home right away, he's liable to-."
His hand went to her back. "I promise, Frasier won't fire you if that's what you're worried about. I won't allow it! After all you've done for our family, he has no right to treat you with anything but the utmost respect!"
"I'm afraid your father will have a few words to say about that, considerin' how badly I treated Sherry."
"If anyone was treated badly, it was you! I can't allow you to blame yourself."
"But it was my fault." She said quietly. "I shouldn't have let her get to me like that."
"But..."
She walked into the living room and picked up her overnight bag from the fainting couch, slinging it over her shoulder.
"I really should go. The sooner I face Sherry, the easier this will be. Now, I can't thank you enough for your kindness Dr. Crane, but I promise, I'll find a way."
"Daphne, please don't go! At least let me drive you home!"
She turned to him and touched his cheek. "That's very sweet of you, but I need to do this by meself. Now, your breakfast is in the kitchen so you'd better start eating it before it gets cold."
"Are you sure you don't want to join me?"
A tear fell onto her cheek and she quickly brushed it away, hoping he hadn't seen.
She wanted to stay... so badly. The thought of being without him after they'd spent so much time together was almost more than she could bear.
And the thought of being at home, being ridiculed by Sherry, Martin and Frasier hurt deeply.
But if she didn't leave now, she never would. And that wouldn't be fair to anyone.
"I should be gettin' home before your father and brother call out a search party."
She took his hand and squeezed it gently, smiling at his worried look.
"I'll be just fine, thanks to you."
As she opened the door and stepped into the doorway, she turned back for a few seconds to kiss Niles cheek.
"Thank you, Dr. Crane. For everything. Goodbye."
"Daphne, wait! Please..."
But she was already rushing out the door, her eyes blurred by tears.