"This is very kind of you but really, I'm fine. There's no need to go to all of this trouble." Daphne said yet again.
Niles ignored her comment and continued to help her out of the car.
"It's still early, so why don't I fix that snack for you. I'm sure you must be starving. Oh, and I really should clean up the mess I made on your brother's living room floor. I'm sure he's not too happy with me about that. And then there's the laundry and cleaning up the kitchen and-."
"No, Daphne." Niles said firmly when the elevator doors opened on the nineteenth floor. Gently he took the keys from her hand and unlocked the door. "I'll take care of you."
"We're home!" Daphne called into the living room, taking a moment to steal a glance at her friend.
Martin rose to his feet. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine. The doctor says it's just a sprain and gave me some pain pills. The brace is just to keep me arm from moving around too much. I should be all right within a week or so. Oh, but Dr. Crane won't be too happy when he finds out. I guess I should break the bad news to him now."
Martin waved her off. "The hell with Fras. He of all people should know that accidents happen."
"B-but Dr. Crane always says there are no accidents." Daphne replied, repeating a phrase often used by her boss.
"Don't worry about him." Martin said. "Just do as the doctor ordered. We don't need you getting worse."
"What about your exercises?"
"Well, this was partially my fault so I guess the least I can do is try some of the exercises on my own. I know I can be a jackass about these things and well... I'm sorry. You work hard and if it weren't for you, Daph, I don't know where I'd be. Probably stuck in that chair. Or worse, stuck in some rest home."
Blinking back tears, Daphne went to hug Martin.
"Dad, you know that's not true!" Niles interjected. "We love you and although I'm ashamed to admit that I had considered that option before you moved in with Frasier, it would have been the wrong decision. And it's the wrong decision now. Daphne is a godsend. You're getting stronger every day. I-I don't know what we'd do without her."
Martin smiled and hugged Daphne again. "Neither do I, actually. never really thanked her for all that she's done for me."
Daphne sniffled and kissed Martin's cheek.
"Thank you, Mr. Crane. That means so much to me. I know I drive you crazy with me insisting that you do your exercises but it's..."
Unexpectedly her voice broke as the tears spilled down her cheeks.
"...It's only because I love you so much."
"Aw, Daph come on." Martin said accepting another hug. "I'm just glad you're okay. Well, I should probably get going. Big game on at Duke's. See you later kids. Oh, and don't worry about Fras. I told him everything. He had a meeting or something at the station so he'll be gone for a while."
"Bye Dad."
"Goodbye, Mr. Crane."
When Martin was gone, Daphne smiled at Niles. "Well, I'm going to get those snacks now, so I'll be right back."
But Niles stopped her once more by placing his hand gently onto her arm.
"Daphne, I said I would take care of you and I meant it. Just relax and I'll be right back."
Dutifully she sat on the sofa and turned on the TV, wondering for the hundredth time what she'd done to deserve such a wonderful friend.