The traffic began to slow until it came almost to a halt. The delay annoyed Niles but it was inevitable. The boarder guards had to check each car and passenger thoroughly.
Unfortunately with the threat of terrorism and other horrible events it had become a way of life. But thankfully the process seemed to be going smoothly and the car moved foreword at a steady pace.
Trying to take her mind off of her fears, Niles did his best to lighten the mood.
"Just a few cars ahead of us and we'll be in the Great White North."
He chuckled at his own joke.
"That's a bit of an exaggeration because it's much too late in the year for a snowstorm and the chances of a storm of that magnitude hitting British Columbia are-."
He stopped suddenly when he noticed her head tilted back against her neck, trying to keep the tears that welled in her eyes at bay.
The sight pained him; for he knew how strong she was and how it must have hurt her to admit that she was vulnerable.
Time and time again shed managed to bring him out of a state of depression that was so forceful even he was doubtful that he'd recover.
But while Frasier attempted to fix Niles' problems with a long, drawn out analysis, Daphne could provide the same resolution by a simple touch or a few comforting words.
He edged the car foreword and soon they were within sight of the border guard.
Her pained and terrified look shattered him and he reached for her hand, taking note of how desperately she grasped his fingers.
He opened his mouth in an effort to give words of comfort, but what could he say?
Instead he rubbed her hand with his thumb and moved the car foreword until they reached the border guard.
"Good afternoon." Niles said, flashing the officer a smile.
The officer nodded in response. "Hello Sir. How's your day?"
"Fine, thank you." Niles replied. Reluctantly he let go of Daphne's hand and reached into his wallet for his driver's license.
"Name sir?"
"Um... Niles Crane. Dr. Niles Crane."
"And your birthplace, Dr. Crane?"
"Seattle, Washington." Niles replied.
The officer regarded him carefully and then glanced at Daphne. "And your passenger?"
At Daphne's terrified look, Niles touched her arm and smiled.
"Daphne, do you have your documents?"
"Um... Yes. Just..."
Her hands shook as she frantically searched for her driver's license, green card and work visa that were in plain sight and it pained him to see her so nervous.
"May I?"
She gave him a grateful look and handed him her purse.
Carefully he opened her wallet, trying to ignore the thought that he was invading her privacy and then handed the officer the documents.
The officer glanced at the items in his hand and then at Daphne. "Where were you born, ma'am?"
She looked up sharply. "M-Manchester England. But y-you see I work for Dr. Crane's brother and-."
"How long will you be in Canada?"
"Oh, just for the day." Niles replied. "Daphne's never seen the fireworks on Canada Day, so I wanted to-."
The officer smiled and nodded, handing back Daphne's documents.
"Yeah, Canada puts on a great show. No offense to the US of course."
"None taken." Niles replied with a smile.
"Thank you, Dr. Crane, Miss Moon. Have a nice visit. And Happy Canada Day."
"You too." Niles said.
Seconds later Niles pulled the car foreword, smiling when he saw the huge billboard that read Welcome to Canada.