The sound of the closing door was the only indication that she'd moved away. The hot tears blurred her eyes and fell onto her hand as it covered her trembling mouth. The harder she tried to stop them, the faster they fell until she was sobbing into her hands. This wasn't possible. This couldn't be happening. Her chest hurt and she could hardly breathe. Suddenly every memory she'd ever had about Niles came to the surface. The first time they met, he'd been so charming, repeatedly asking if she was really Daphne. The way he'd been such a gentleman at the Snow Ball. The complements he'd always given her…they all blended into one large cloud. A cloud that confused her more than ever.
"Daphne?"
She jumped at the sound of Frasier's voice and she turned to find him standing beside her. "Oh…. Dr. Crane… How is your brother?"
Frasier sighed deeply, the pain evident on his face. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came. Instead he began to cry, paining her even further. She was at his side immediately, hugging him warmly. It seemed strange that she would be the one providing comfort to a man whose life's work was to help others. She held him for a long moment and then let go. "I'd better go and find your father." She said quietly.
"I'll go and get Dad." Frasier replied. "Why don't you go in and see Niles?"
She looked at her boss worriedly and in response he smiled sadly, reaching for her hand. "Go on…"
She gave him one last glance and turned toward the door. Gently she pushed it open and slipped inside. The room was eerily silent except for the whirs and beeps of the machines that were attached to Niles by wires. She knew that he was fighting for his life, but nothing could have prepared her for the moment of truth.
She walked further into the room and hung her purse on the door knob. And when she finally got a closer look at him, she gasped audibly. His handsome face blurred by her sadness as she moved closer and sat down beside him. Her lip trembled as she took his hand in hers, rubbing her thumb across his soft skin. She'd never felt such soft skin in her life and certainly not on a man. But she shouldn't have been surprised. Niles took great care of his appearance and his skin was no exception.
When his features came into focus, she felt a new rush of sadness, and it was evident how terrible his accident had been. His face was badly bruised and the bandages told her almost everything she needed to know. "I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane." She whispered, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
The door opened suddenly and she jumped in surprise.
"I'm sorry but visiting hours are over." The man's voice said rather sternly. "Your five minutes are up."
The door closed leaving her alone with Niles once more. "I guess it's time to go." She said quietly. "Just rest, Dr. Crane and you'll be better soon. I-I know it." As a sob escaped she squeezed his hand one last time. "Sweet dreams…" She whispered.
Another sob came as she stood and crossed the room, taking one last look at him. "Goodnight, Dr. Crane."
Her purse in hand, she pushed the door open and stepped into the hallway. Martin and Frasier rose to their feet when they saw her and she'd barely taken two steps when she broke down in sobs. Both men huddled against her while she cried.
They held her for a long moment and when they finally drew back, Daphne was ashamed of her breakdown. She was supposed to be the strong one. After all, she wasn't family and she had to be the one who held Frasier and Martin together. They needed all the strength they could get.
After several moments, Daphne followed them out of the hospital, but she was certain that when they returned to the Elliot Bay Towers, it would feel like the loneliest place on earth.