I glanced at me watch, shocked when I realized how late it had become. Correction... how early. It was well past 2am.

There was no way I'd be able to sleep at this point, and I certainly didn't want to sit in me hotel room all alone, so I walked out of the Wayside Inn, surprised to find a beautiful garden. How could I not have known about this place?

I decided to explore; amazed at how peaceful it was. And if there's one thing I needed at that moment, it was peace and quiet.

In the corner, I saw an invitin' bench, partially hidden by some trees. It was the perfect place to gather me thoughts. As I sat down, I looked up at the night sky. The

moon was so full and bright that it illuminated the grass. I couldn't help starin at the moon wishin' Niles was here, holdin' me in his arms as I leaned back against his

chest. The mere thought that I'd never be able to do that brought tears to me eyes.

Oh, I was so sick of this cryin! I should bottle me tears and sell them! I'd have enough money to buy Niles the most beautiful house he's ever seen. Somewhere far

away from that witch of a wife who-

"Hey Daphne."

The break in the silence nearly caused me to jump out of me skin. And I turned around, my heart racin'.

"Mr. Crane!"

"Did I scare you? Gosh, I'm sorry Daphne. I thought you saw me come over."

"No. I-I thought I was alone." My voice was tremblin; and I was still shakin from the scare.

Mr. Crane shrugged. "Well, you look like you're pretty deep in thought, so I'll just..."

"NO!" I yelled, a little too quickly. "I-I mean... Please... sit down."

"Thanks, I think I will." Mr. Crane said, lowerin' himself to the bench.

"What are you doin' out here at this hour?" I asked.

Mr. Crane smiled. "I was about to ask you the same thing. But I think I already know the answer."

My mouth fell open in surprise. "You do?"

He sighed. "Yeah. Frasier told me what happened. Gee, I'm sorry, Daph."

"Oh God..."

When I looked up at the moon again, I began to sob into me hands.

"Oh geez... Come on now." Mr. Crane said, putting his arm around me. I leaned into him, cryin' on his flannel pajamas. "It can't be that bad." He was sayin'.

"It's worse!" I sobbed, knowin I must have sounded like a child. "Niles hates me!"

Mr. Crane rubbed me arm. "Oh, come on now. Niles could never hate you!"

"How could he not, Mr. Crane? I ruined his life!" I said, startin' to sob again.

"Look, you were only doing what you thought was right. And frankly, I'm glad you did it."

I raised my head and looked at him. "You are?"

"If it gets that witch of a wife he has out of our lives then it'll all be worth it."

I sniffled. "I'm afraid it's not that easy. She was so angry..."

I noticed Mr. Crane's expression turn to one of anger. "What did she do? Hey, did she hurt you?" He yelled.

Mel's harsh words filled me head. "Well, not physically and certainly not as much as she's hurt Niles. Oh God, Mr. Crane, you don't think she's hurt him physically, do

you? Because I couldn't bear to think-."

"You really do love him, don't you?" he asked quietly.

I smiled. "I love him more than I thought it was possible to love anyone."

The idea that Niles might not feel the same way broke my heart. But I supposed I deserved it.

"Do you think he still loves me, Mr. Crane?"

When he smiled, I followed his gaze across the garden.

And there, standin' in the shadows...

Was Niles.