The three of them walked into the hospital, each man holding Daphne's hand. Slowly they made their way to the information desk, where Martin boldly let go of her hand and went to talk to the attendant.

"I'm looking for my son, Niles Crane." He announced in an uncharacteristically unsteady voice. "H-he was in a car accident?"

The attendant glanced at the computer screen and tapped on the keyboard. "Oh yes, he's in surgery right now, but you can wait in the ICU waiting room."

"Thank you." He said, his voice barely a whisper.

Daphne swallowed hard at the mention of the Intensive Care Unit and put her hand on Martin's back. "Where is the-." She asked the attendant, unable to finish her question.

"Right through those doors, ma'am."

"Thank you."

Their hearts were heavy as they walked into the ICU unit and this time it was Frasier who approached the receptionist. "I'm looking for my brother, Niles Crane."

"Right this way." The man said. "I'll tell Dr. Watson that you're here."

"Oh Lord, I can't believe this is happening." Frasier said brokenly.

"He'll be all right, Fras." Martin said, draping an arm around his son. "We don't know the details yet so let's just wait and see what the doctor says." And then he turned to Daphne. "I'm sorry we left like that without asking you to come along."

Daphne smiled and squeezed Martin's hand. "I understand. But you listen to me... both of you. Dr. Crane is strong and whatever happened to him... He'll be just fine. I know it."

Another lie but it seemed to calm the Crane men.

"I'm Dr. Watson. Are you Dr. Crane?"

They looked up to see a tall doctor holding a clipboard.

"Yes, I'm Frasier Crane and this is my father Martin Crane and his home health care worker, Daphne Moon."

The doctor shook hands with each of them and smiled sadly.

"Any news, Doc? What's going on?" Martin asked.

"He's out of surgery and in recovery, so we'll be taking him to his room shortly. He was extremely lucky, though. That was one hell of an accident."

"What happened?" Frasier asked.

"I don't know exactly. I'd have to look at the coroner's report." The doctor explained.

Martin's eyes widened and Daphne quickly grabbed him to keep him from fainting, aware of her own rapidly beating heart.

"Coroner's report? You mean he's... But I thought you just said he was..."

Daphne looked away and began to sob, barely aware of Frasier's hand on her shoulder.

"Mr. Crane, your son is alive but when they found him he was presumed dead. He was extremely lucky and he'd better thank the heavens that he was wearing his seat belt. Otherwise...but fortunately they were able to revive him. The seatbelt definitely saved his life."

"What's the surgery for?" Frasier asked.

"There are some internal injuries and extensive damage to his leg. His shoulder was broken and we had to set it and there are some large gashes that-."

Daphne looked away again, not wanting to hear anymore. She couldn't. It all seemed like a terrible nightmare.

"... But we're going to do everything that we can for him, I can assure you that."

Thank you, Dr. Watson." Daphne managed to say.

Dr. Watson smiled. "You're welcome, Ms. Moon. Now if you want to have a seat over here, I'll go check on Mr. Crane and be back in a moment."

Daphne, Martin and Frasier went to sit on the uncomfortable chairs, but the mood was somber as they stared into space, pretending to find interest in the outdated magazines that filled the tables. How could people possibly be expected to think about Christmas decorations and summer vacations when their loved ones were in Intensive Care?

Within minutes Dr. Watson returned, but his face was grim. Daphne, Martin and Frasier rose at once.

"How's Niles? Can we see him?"

"They're taking him to his room now. But there's something you should know."

"What is it, Doc?" Martin asked.

"The next forty eight hours are crucial and we'll have to keep him in ICU for at least that amount of time. Normally after surgery such as this, the patient regains consciousness rather quickly but in this case..."

"Dr. Watson what are you saying?"

"Unfortunately Mr. Crane has slipped into a mild coma."

Daphne's trembling hand flew to her mouth and she felt Frasier and Martin grab her as she began to fall.

"Oh my God.."

"Can we see him?" Martin asked.

"Of course, but family only." Dr Watson said glancing at Daphne.

"She is family!" Martin said matter of factly.

"All right, but one at a time. He's still very weak." Dr. Watson said. "And no more than five minutes at a time."

"Go ahead, Dad." Frasier said hoarsely.

Martin squeezed Frasier's hand. "I won't be in there long, Son."

When Martin opened the door to Niles' room, Daphne sank into a nearby sofa.

"Well... At least we know he's alive. For now anyway." Frasier said.

The thought made Daphne gasp and she took his hands, squeezing them firmly.

"Don't say that, Dr. Crane. Your brother will be just fine."

Frasier chuckled slightly. "Another psychic vision?"

"Something like that." She said feigning a smile.

But in truth, she felt guilty. For it wasn't a vision at all. Instead she feared that it was another lie.