(Late into the night)

Niles turned onto his side, adjusting his pillow once more. He longed for sleep more than anything, but it just wouldn't come. He'd had no trouble at all sleeping last

night. Perhaps it was from sleeping in Frasier's room. He'd always found Frasier's bed much more comfortable than this one. Or perhaps it was the company he'd been with.

Daphne had been nothing but a blessing; allowing him to spend the night. Her kind words touched his heart. But sadly, they'd done little to rid him of the guilt he was

feeling now. He'd hurt his nephew and there was no way to rectify it. He was doomed to be an unloved uncle forever. And then, a horrible thought; What if the same

thing were to happen to his children one day? That is, if he ever had children of his own. How would he live with himself? Fighting back tears that so seldom came, he

changed positions yet again until he was staring at the ceiling.

He had to talk to someone. He glanced at the phone, longing to pick it up and call her. He knew she'd be more than happy to listen to him. But he couldn't do it.

After all, it was ungodly late and she was sure to be sound asleep. The image of Daphne lying in bed, sleeping like an angel sent his mind reeling. His hand went to the

phone and he dialed the number he knew by heart. It rang twice before it stopped. And then he heard her voice.

"Hello?"

He was mesmerized by the sound.

"Hello? Is anyone there?"

Niles closed his eyes, imagining what he'd say. But it was too late. For instead of her voice he heard the dial tone. Silently he cursed himself for being afraid.

He hung up the phone and returned to bed, knowing that it was useless. He'd never be able to sleep. Still, he lay there, hoping that somehow sleep would find him.

After more agonizing moments of frustration, he threw back the covers and sat on the edge of the bed, his face in his hands.

This was maddening.

If he didn't talk to someone soon, he might just-

Well, he didn't want to think about that right now.

He put on his robe and slippers and walked across the hall. Just as he suspected, the door was closed. In yet another daring move, he reached for the doorknob. Ever

so slowly he opened the door and stepped inside. The room was dark except for the moonlight that streamed through the window, illuminating the bed.

"Maris, darling..." He said gently. "I know it's late, but... well, I need someone to talk to."

When he saw her stir, he smiled. This could work. It had to work!He sat down in the large plush chair that sat in the corner of the room. "You see, Maris... I wasn't

quite as honest with you before about my trip to Boston. The truth is... well, something happened. Something I'm deeply ashamed of. Now I know that you simply

detest Lilith and I can't say that I blame you. But in this case her hurtful words toward me were deserved. Frederick was badly injured and it was completely my fault.

Of course it was an accident, but Frasier... well, he was absolutely livid and appalled by what I had done! I apologized profusely; you know I did, Maris! But... well, it

just wasn't enough. And now there's a pain in my heart so great that I can hardly breathe. It's horrible, Maris; this pain! And I simply don't know what to do about it!

I trust you to help me. So will you help me, Maris? Please?"

The question was met with silence.

"Maris?"

When she still didn't answer, he rose from the chair and went to her, crestfallen when he realized that she'd been asleep while he'd been pouring out his fears and

anxieties. Wordlessly he left the room and returned to his bedroom where loneliness awaited him.