"Are you all right, Dad?" Frasier asked when Martin stepped into the hallway.
"Yeah. I'm fine. I just-."
"You know, you shouldn't be afraid to cry." Frasier said. "It can be very therapeutic and healing."
Martin rolled his eyes at Frasier's unwanted psychology lesson. "I'm fine, really."
"All right." Frasier said. He stared at the door and took a deep breath. "Well, here goes." But as soon as he reached for the door, he felt Daphne's hand on his arm.
"Dr. Crane?"
"Yes, Daphne?"
She smiled and took his hand. "It wasn't your fault. Please don't blame yourself."
Frasier couldn't help but smile as he hugged her. "Thanks, Daphne."
He inhaled deeply and once more turned to Niles' room. His hand on the door, he thrust it open. But as he entered the room, he wasn't prepared for what he saw. The sight of his little brother lying in bed, awake, alive, was almost overwhelming.
"Niles…"
Niles looked up and smiled. "Hey, Frasier."
Like a scene from a movie, Frasier crossed the room and went to Niles, carefully taking him into his arms. And he found that he was so emotional it was hard not to shed a few tears himself. "My God… Our prayers worked. It's a miracle."
"Frasier-."
"You have no idea how I felt when I got that phone call. I-."
"Actually Dad told me, so I have some idea." Niles replied with a grin. But the subtle humor was lost on Frasier who cried openly. He held Niles a little closer, afraid to let go for fear of losing him again. Finally he drew back, smiling tearfully. "I'm so sorry, Niles. I'm so sorry!"
"It's not your fault, Frasier. It was mine." Niles replied.
But Frasier adamantly shook his head. "No. If I hadn't been so damned adamant about keeping you from Daphne, I-."
"Don't." Niles said, surprising Frasier with the firmness in his voice. "It's not your fault, so don't even think it."
Defeated, Frasier nodded. "All right, but Niles I am sorry. When I see how much Daphne loves you-."
Niles sat up, wincing at the pain it brought. "How is Daphne? Is she-."
"She's fine. She's with Dad."
"I want to see her. I-I need to."
Frasier gave his little brother one last hug and reluctantly moved away from the bed. "I'm glad you and Daphne have each other, because I love you both so much."
"Even though I'm married to Maris?"
"Well, yes, but Niles-."
Niles held up his hand. "I already know what you're going to say. Dad told me why Daphne was so upset earlier and damn it if it doesn't make me angrier at Maris than I already am! I-."
"Stop this, right now!" Frasier ordered as gently as he could. "There's plenty of time for you to express whatever anger and frustration you're feeling toward Maris. You know how Dad and I feel about her and the way she's treated you during your marriage. But Niles, please know that we'll support you no matter what you decide to do, we'll support you. That goes for me, Dad and Daphne. We love you and if we had lost you…"
Niles smiled and blinked back tears. "Go on, before you make me cry even more. I need to see Daphne. Please?"
Frasier headed for the door, pausing to glance at his little brother, whom he loved more than he thought possible. "Of course you can see her. I love you, Niles."
"I love you too, Frasier."