Unfortunately, the rest of Niles' show did not improve on the beginning. By the time he'd finally signed off, he was thoroughly depressed. Not only that, but he knew Roz would be anxious to chew him out for his mistakes, especially the moments of dead air. But when he went up to her office before heading home, Niles found her to be surprisingly sympathetic. "It was just you first show," she said. "You were probably a nervous wreck. But you'll get better next week."

"Thanks, Roz," Niles said with a slightly embarrassed smile.

"Look, if it'll make you feel any better, I could go on the air with you, and be your call-screener, just like I did for your brother. I may have this fancy office, but I'm pretty sure I still know how to screen calls," Roz replied with a smile.

"All right," Niles said, shaking her hand. He hadn't expected this offer, but at least it put his mind a bit more at ease about the next show.

Now he was just eager to get home to his family. He often wondered what his life would be like without Daphne and David waiting for him at home. It would certainly be a cold, lonely existence. Niles shuddered at the thought. By a miracle, Niles was able to make it home in almost no time. No sooner had he opened the door to his apartment, then he was greeted by Daphne. She pulled him into a hug immediately, holding him close for a long moment. "David and I were so proud of you," she said when she'd finally let him go.

"Thank you," Niles said with a defeated sigh. "Wish I could say the same. But Roz thinks next week will be better."

"I'm sure it will," Daphne replied, kisisng him. "By the way, your brother called this afternoon. When I told him where you were and why, he told me to have you call him right away. He wanted to know why you didn't tell him you were following in his footsteps!"

Niles hung his head, once again ashamed. "I haven't exactly kept in touch with Frasier very well lately. I'm sure he and Charlotte are very busy, with their jobs and all. I...wouldn't want to bother him."

"Darling, he's your brother. He loves you. And I could tell when I talked to him that he misses you, too." Daphne gave her husband a sympathetic smile. The sight of it nearly made Niles lightheaded.

Niles let out a sigh, knowing he hadn't told Daphne the whole truth. And he had a feeling she knew it, too. "I guess I figured I'd miss him less if I didn't talk to him every day."

Daphne's heart broke at the sadness in his voice. She knew he often tried to act like Frasier's departure hadn't affected him, but deep down, Niles was hurting. "That hasn't worked, has it?" she asked gently.

Niles shook his head. "Every time I pass by Nervosa, or look at David, I think about him." He managed to smile. "Or if I happen to turn on the TV and hear a sportscaster talk about how Mariners won't make the Super Bowl this year, I think of him!"

Daphne smiled at Niles' familiar misuse of sports terminology. "Call him tonight, OK? I think it'll be good for both of you."

Niles kissed Daphne deeply. He was touched by her concern for him. It was obvious that Daphne cared about his happiness and that of his family. For that alone, he would love her for the rest of his life. As Niles continued to hold her, taking in the the smell of her shampoo, he wondered what he'd ever done to deserve to have such an angel in his life.