Dr. Marshall pulled Niles, Daphne and Ronee into a private consultation room.

"What is it, Dr. Marshall? Please tell us. Me husband's beside himself with worry," Daphne finally spoke up.

The doctor sighed. "I have good news and I have bad news. Mrs. Crane, in your condition, perhaps you would like to step out of the room."

"I'm a health care professional. Please just tell us the truth."

"Okay," Dr. Marshall sighed. "The good news is that Mr. Crane has not had a stroke. We've done a battery of tests and they've all conclusively ruled that out."

Daphne smiled at Niles. "Did you hear that? Martin is going to be just fine."

"Hold on Daphne. She said there would be bad news."

"Dr. Crane, I'm afraid your father is in the beginning stage...there is no easy way to say this...your father is in the beginning stage of Alzheimer's disease. As a fellow physician, I'm sure you understand the implications of what this means for your father."

The three Cranes all broke down. They hadn't even considered this possibility. Alzheimers? Niles was devastated most of all. Gone was the vital, sarcastic, loveable Martin they all knew and loved. In his place was an illness, a devastating one that left no one, family or sufferer a winner.

"Oh Niles, what are we going to do?" Daphne sobbed.

"We have to be strong. We have to think of Ronee. After all, this is her husband we're talking about."

Ronee, never one to show her emotions openly, hugged Niles, not wanting to let go.

"Ronee it's okay. Money is no object. If there's anything you need from us let us know," Niles offered.

"Well if you think I'm putting my husband in a home, you're wrong. I refuse to let my own husband go out abandoned and alone, not when he needs us the most.".

"That's not what I was suggesting. I just meant for doctors, therapists, money should not be a problem. You have bigger fish to fry and it's the least I can do for someone who means so much to my father."

"Oh Niles. What are we going to tell the grandchildren?" Ronee asked, finally referring to herself as a grandmother for the first time.

For once, Niles did not know what to do. But he knew someone who would know what to do. He excused himself and called his older brother, and explained the situation. Even from the phone Niles could tell that Frasier was as stunned as he was.

"Are you sure? We can get second, third, forth opinions if need be..."Frasier declared adamantly.

"We're sure, Fraiser. It all adds up, the falls, the memory lapses..."

"The falls? What the hell are you talking about Niles?"

"The other day Dad forgot to use his cane and he fell over. Fortunately I was right there and I did not see any need to alarm you..."

"Instead you wait to inform me that our dad has Alzheimer's? How considerate."

"Frasier there is no need for rudeness. Rest assured that Daphne, Ronee and I will do everything in our means to ensure Dad gets the proper care that he needs."

"Don't forget about me. I'm catching the next flight to Seattle!"

"What about your job? What about Charlotte?"

"Oh Niles, do you think I would abandon Dad now that he needs me the most? Tell Ronee to prepare a room for me. I have to go. And Niles..."

"Yes?"

"Thank you for being there for Dad. I know he appreciates it as well." With that, Frasier hung up the phone.

Niles sighed. He was always happy to see his brother of course, but unfortunately it took their father's illness to reunite them for the first time in over a year. Why sometimes Niles even wondered if Frasier remembered that Daphne was pregnant again. And Daphne...she was in no condition to worry herself over something as serious as this. Niles knew then and there life would never be the same for anyone, most of all Martin.

TBC