"Hello, Daphne. You're home late." Frasier said when Daphne walked through the front door. "Dad and I were starting to worry."

"I'm sorry, Dr. Crane." Daphne said.

"No need to be sorry. We're just glad you're okay." Frasier said.

"Absolutely and as long as you're safe and enjoyed your evening, that's all that matters." Martin added.

Daphne rolled her eyes. "It was hardly enjoyable."

Suddenly embarrassed that she'd ever spoken, she hung up her coat and put away her purse.

"Ill just be goin' to bed now. Goodnight, Dr. Crane, Mr. Crane."

Quickly she walked past the two men, who had exchanged confused looks.

"Daphne, are you all right?" Frasier asked.

"I'm fine, Dr. Crane. Goodnight."

She disappeared into her room and quickly closed the door. Thankful to be alone, she sat down on the bed. The faces of Niles, Frasier and Martin stared at her from

the wooden picture frame on her dresser. They were all so handsome, but none as handsome as Niles. At the thought of him, the tears she'd held inside filled her eyes

and began to fall.

Soon she was sobbing herself to sleep.

(3am)

She woke suddenly, having barely slept at all. With a sigh, she rose from the bed and pulled on her plush robe and slippers. Quietly she padded into the hallway,

relishing the quietness and the chance to be alone. The house was dark except for the glow of the lights from the Seattle skyline. Ever so quietly she went to the door

and walked out onto the balcony, staring out into the night sky. The moon was full and the sky was blanketed with stars. It was the perfect romantic evening. She only

wished that Niles was here; holding her as they gazed into the night sky together.

Niles...

A sob escaped and once again tears began to fall.

"Daphne?"

Wanting to be alone, she pretended not to hear her name. But the figure came closer.

"Daphne, are you all right? I heard you crying." Frasier asked.

She turned, her heart warming at the sight of her friend's kind face. "Oh, Dr. Crane!"

She held him tightly, sobbing into his chest.

"Oh Daphne, what's wrong?" Frasier asked, gently rubbing her back. "There, there. What's this all about? Trouble with your mother again?" I know it can't be easy,

being at odds with the woman who gave you life."

She raised her head and looked at him. "Oh, Dr. Crane I only wish it was me mum. Things would be a lot easier."

"Want to talk about it? I'm listening."

Daphne smiled, grateful for Frasier's kindness. It was a far cry from Bulldog's pathetic attempts of consoling.

Finally she pulled out of his arms and sighed. "Okay. Well, I went to Café Nervosa in the hopes that your brother would be there. I didn't have a reason to go in. I

just..."

Frasier smiled. "You missed him."

"Yes. It's crazy, I know. I mean, I'd just seen him this morning."

"So what happened?"

"Well, the place was so busy, I could hardly move. Then I finally saw him sittin at a table with a woman."

"Really..." Frasier said.

"Dr. Crane, he has every right to be with someone else. I mean, we never agreed..." her voice trailed away.

"Did you recognize her?"

Daphne shook her head. "No. But as they were leaving the café, I heard him call her Amy. I didn't mean to eavesdrop; really I didn't. But they were practically standin'

right in front of me face."

She turned away, her arms folded in front of her chest. "He was holding her hand and said he couldn't wait to see her again. I didn't think much of it, but then he told

her... he loved her and then... Oh God..."

Suddenly she felt Frasier's hand on her shoulder. Slowly she turned back to him, his genuine concern pulling at her emotions. Within seconds, Frasier's image was

blurred by hot tears that stung her eyes.

"Daphne, what happened?" Frasier asked again.

"Oh Dr. Crane..." Daphne's voice quivered and then broke. "Niles is in love with her!"