Niles tried to focus his attention on the interesting NPR interview that floated out of his radio, but it was nearly impossible. his thoughts were invaded by images of the sweet but annoying little Jack Russell Terrier who had been his father's companion for as long as Niles could remember. How long had it been? Eleven years? It didn't seem possible.

He'd never had a dog of his own, but Niles couldn't even begin to imagine what his father was going through. He suspected that his father's grief would be similar to that of when his mother died. The thought was ludicrous, for who would ever compare a dog to a beautiful woman like his mother? Still, the feeling of loss was very much the same. The idea that his father was hurting motivated Niles to step a bit harder on the accelerator, in the hopes that he would be at his destination that much sooner.

But he wasn't prepared for the feelings that overwhelmed him when he finally pulled up in front of the small blue house. It was worlds away from a home that he would choose for himself, but Niles loved it just the same. For it was where his father lived.

His heart racing, he climbed out of the car and closed the door, wishing that he had thought to bring something like flowers in condolence. As he neared the front door, his mind raced, rehearsing what he would say. But as it were, he had no words.

No sooner had he knocked on the door when it opened. Ronee smiled at him and engulfed him into a hug. "Hi honey." She said, in a motherly tone.

It was strange to think that the woman who babysat Niles and his brother was now his stepmother. But he wouldn't have it any other way. Ronee had been so good for his father in more ways than one and Niles knew that his mother would approve.

"Ronee…" he said kissing her cheek. "Hello. Um, how is he?"

She opened the door wider, allowing Niles to peer inside. In the distance he could see his father sitting in his beloved chair watching television.

"May I? I won't stay long, I just-."

"Don't be silly. Stay as long as you like."

"Well, I-."

"Honey, look who's here! Niles!"

His father briefly looked up and then returned his attention toward the television.

"Can I get you anything?"

"Oh, some iced tea would be nice."

"Coming right up."

When Ronee disappeared into the kitchen, Niles carefully crossed the room to his father's chair. "Hey, Dad. What are you watching?"

"The Seahawks game."

Niles eyes narrowed. "The Seahawks? But didn't we just watch them on-."

"Here we are." Ronee sang, entered the room carrying a tray containing a pitcher of iced tea. She winked at Niles who nodded in understanding.

"Marty, Niles is here to see you. Why don't I turn the sound down just a bit, all right?"

When his father didn't protest, fear crept into Niles' chest. He sat down in the chair beside his father and sighed.

"How are you holding up, Dad?"

Martin said nothing.

Carefully Niles reached for his father's hand. It was much larger than his own and much rougher. But that hand had comforted him numerous times and now he wanted to return the favor.

"Um, look, Dad… I…. Daphne and Ronee told me about Eddie. I-I can't tell you how sorry I am. I mean, I know that you and Eddie were best friends. I-I get that. Daphne and I-."

"It's not the same!" Martin said, surprising Niles with his blaring words.

"Dad…"

"Damn you and your damn analogies! It's all crap! You and Daphne are best friends. I know, you've told me a hundred times! But how can you compare Daphne and Eddie? You can't!"

"Dad if you'll just listen to-."

"NO! I'm through listening to you or anyone! I'm tired of your theories and your ethics…I'm tired of it all! I just want…. Well, what I want, you can't give me so you might as well leave."

Niles couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What?"

"Leave, Niles! Now! Before I call the cops and have them force you to leave!"

"I-."

Ronee returned to the living room, staring at both men in surprise. "Marty, what's going on?"

Niles swallowed hard. "I'm going to leave."

She looked at Niles in surprise. "What, now?"

"It's for the best."

"I-I don't…"

Niles kissed her cheek. "I'll see you later Ronee. Bye Dad."

Feeling dejected, Niles climbed into his car and drove home. When he arrived, Daphne greeted him at the door, in much the same way that he had greeted her just the day before. And when he broke down in tears in her arms, she held him close and let him cry for a long long time. Not once did she question him. Never had he loved her more.