"An affair? Niles, that's ridiculous! Daphne would never-."
"I know that the idea is completely unfathomable, Frasier, but it's true! She was… talking about him in her sleep, saying things like what would my father think and don't tell Niles! How am I supposed to react to something like that?"
"Who is this Eric that she's supposedly having an affair with, Niles? Have you stopped to even ponder that?"
"That-Community college barista at Nervosa!" Niles replied, the words angering him even further. "I-I can't believe she would… after the way he dumped her! I-."
"Niles, have you completely lost your mind? How can you even think that-."
"Well, if you heard your wife saying another man's name in her sleep, wouldn't you assume?"
"Niles, Daphne is not having an affair with Eric, or any man for that matter, but especially Eric!"
"How can you be so positive?"
"Because it's just not possible! I ran into Eric downtown on my way to work not three days ago! He was with his new wife! They were in San Francisco on their honeymoon and now they're probably on their way to their new home and his new job… in Pennsylvania!"
Niles went completely numb and he was barely aware that he was still holding the phone. Woodenly he went to the staircase and lowered himself on to the top step, his head in his hand. "I-I don't understand, I-."
"I think you do!" Frasier snapped. "Niles, did you tell David the real story of 'The Little Mermaid'?"
"Yes, of course! It's a classic! You know that! Everyone knows that! Why?"
"Daphne wasn't too happy about it, was she?"
"Um, no… but-."
"Niles, you imbicle! How could you jump to such a ridiculous conclusion? You've seen the animated Disney version, right?"
"Unfortunately yes, but what does that have to do with-."
"I want you to watch the movie again, by yourself, very carefully. I mean really watch it. And when it's over I want you to go to Daphne and beg her forgiveness!"
Niles gasped, as though suddenly realizing that he had no idea of her whereabouts. "Where-."
"She's at Roz's place! I'm appalled that it's taken you this long to ask about where she is! Now, watch that movie and I guarantee you that you'll be seeing things in a new light by the time the credits begin to roll! Now goodnight! And give David and Daphne a kiss for me! Tell them that I love them! And Niles… I love you, too. And I hope that one day you'll thank me for this, but if not…. Well… Goodnight."
"Goodnight Frasier. I love -."
But the only response Niles received was the sound of the buzzing dial tone in his ear.