Daphne peered into the living room where Niles was sitting contentedly in his wheelchair, watching something on television. He looked so handsome that her heart fluttered at the sight of him. She loved him so much and that's why she had to do this, knowing that it would be extremely difficult in the beginning.
She'd talked to Dr. Watson who assured her that starting physical therapy earlier than planned would help aid in Niles' recovery. But she also knew that he needed to regain his strength. And she would do anything she could to help him, if he was willing to let her. Of course with his delicate condition, the therapy would be much less intense than the therapy she gave his father and he certainly wouldn't have the same range of mobility as his father, but she knew how badly he wanted his independence.
Truth be told, she sympathized with him, being confined to a wheelchair. She'd worked with patients in similar situations before, but she was determined to give Niles all of the extra special care he needed.
In the kitchen she started a pot of coffee and entered the living room, smiling when her eyes met Niles. "Hello, Darling." She said, greeting him with a kiss.
"Hello Daphne."
"What are you watching?"
"A documentary on PBS about the way people spend money in America. It's fascinating! I tell you, Daphne people spend money on the most ludicrous things!"
She turned her head so that he wouldn't see her amused smile. "It certainly is, isn't it?"
An uneasy silence followed as she searched for the right words. "Niles? I hate to bother you, but-."
"You could never be a bother. I hope you know that." He said, taking her hands in his.
"I do know that, and that's why I love you." She replied as he rubbed his thumbs across her wrists. She wanted to melt into his invitation for an embrace but instead she sighed deeply.
"Something wrong, Daphne?"
She looked into his beautiful eyes of blue and kissed his cheek. "Niles, I think we should start your physical therapy now."
The statement seemed to surprise him and he let out a sigh before lowering his gaze. "I don't know, Daphne."
She smile and ran her fingers through his hair. "Now, don't worry. I talked to Dr. Watson and he said it would be all right. I promise to be as gentle as possible and if I hurt you in any way just let me know and I'll stop, okay? I know you don't want to be in this wheelchair any longer than you have to. It will be difficult in the beginning, but I'll be right there with you. I promise."
The kiss he gave her in returned indicated how grateful he was and she drew him into her arms, content to hold him for several long moments. And his whispered words in her ear made her smile;
"All right, my love. Let's start right now."