"Frasier!" the man heard his wife yell from the living room.

"Dad! Something's wrong with mom," Henry told his father when he ran into his father's office. Frasier took off after the boy.

He found Charlie holing his mother and her leaning heavily into her son, "darling, what's wrong?"

"I think I'm having a stroke," Frasier's eyes went wide.

"I already called the paramedics, dad, when Henry went to get you. Do you have a list of mom's medications?"

"Yes, I do. It's in my wallet," Frasier made sure he had his wallet before leaving with Nora in the ambulance.

Nora did have a minor stroke, but it didn't really do much to affect her recovery. She only had a minor setback, but when she went home a week later she was still able to use her walker.

One day, Ray was in the living room with Nora watching television.

"Ray, could you help me up, please?"

"Sure," Ray helped his sister to stand and held on while she steadied herself with her walker.

"Thanks," she said, "I'm good."

Ray let go and Nora made her way to the kitchen where Frasier and Debra were. "Hey," Debra said, "you need something?"

"No," Nora sat at the table, "I was getting bored watching television. Plus, my brain is already damaged. No need to make it worse."

"Frasier, do you mind if I go sit with Nora?" Debra asked. They had been cleaning the kitchen.

"No, go right ahead. I have to do my show anyway."

Frasier went to do his show while Debra joined Nora at the table. "So, what's up?" Debra asked and Nora glared at her, "sorry, habit."

"No, it's okay. I'm just getting tired of being home, but it's too much of a hassle to leave right now."

"I suppose I shouldn't tell you that Ray and I are going away for our anniversary."

"That doesn't bother me. You have both been helping out a lot here. Well, you've been helping out a lot and he helps. Take a break and have fun." Nora stared at her sister-in-law, "were you going to tell me?"

"Honestly, we were going to sneak out during the night and leave Frasier to deal with it."

Nora laughed, "well, I really do hope you two enjoy yourselves."

"Thanks," Debra said, "anything you want to talk about?"

"Have my parents said anything about visiting?"

"Frank wants to, but I don't think he will without Marie." Debra noticed that Nora had a sad expression, "I'm sorry, honey."

"It's okay," Nora said, "I'd love for my parents to visit, but if they don't. I've lived most of my life without them. I can live more without them too."

Ray walked in and noticed his sister was upset, "what's wrong?"

"Your mother," Debra answered.

"Yeah, I should have seen that coming."

"Why can't she come down here for a visit?" Debra asked.

"You're asking me to explain a woman who doesn't know how to knock or ring a doorbell." Ray felt bad when he looked at his sister, "I wish there was something I could do, but she's stubborn. I can keep trying."

Nora smiled sadly at her brother, "that's okay," she grabbed her walker and slowly stood, "thanks, though," Nora retreated to her bedroom.

"Your mother is unbelievable."

"What do you want me to do? I've told her to visit and suggested it every time I've talked to her. Do you know that she's calling me less to avoid me asking?"

"You're enjoying that. Aren't you?"

"Damn right I'm enjoying it." Ray turned and went to his sister's room. He found her sitting on a chair, crying. "I really don't know what to do."

"Ray, it's not your fault. I don't know why I care so much."

Ray could tell that Nora was physically uncomfortable, "here, I'll help you get into bed and we can talk there." Ray knew that his sister sometimes had trouble getting in bed if she was really tired. He lifted his sister and carried her to bed. Once he helped her to get under the covers, he sat on the opposite side, next to her. "What can I do?"

"This," Nora said, "just be here for me. I need you, all of you."

"Okay, but in a few days..."

"Debra told me. It's fine and I want you two to relax and have fun."

"I know I don't help much..."

"You help with things you are comfortable with. I appreciate whatever help anyone provides or offers. You're doing great."

"Thanks," Ray said, "so are you."

A few days later, Ray and Debra left for their anniversary trip. They felt guilty and excited all at the same time.