Daphne was still laughing when she came out of the kitchen catching a glimpse of her boss. His gaze was transfixed on the table and the rainbow of candies that lay in a perfect line. No doubt he'd worked hard on it as he did with everything in his life. And that's exactly what made this scenario so darn funny.

"Dr. Crane you're doing beautifully! I'm so impressed! I-where's your brother?"

"He left!"

The sudden harshness of her boss's voice surprised her. "So soon? Well that seems odd."

"It is odd, but then again so is he!"

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

"Well that makes two of us! One minute we're sitting here having a… well, a moment… a bonding between brothers, and the next minute, he's angry… reclusive and a complete jackass!"

"That's not like him at all."

"Of course it is, Daphne! He's always been that way, ever since we were kids!"

"I didn't mean that! I meant… You mean he just walked out and –was that him I heard slamming the door?"

"It certainly was. But not before he told me to have fun sorting my candies, whatever that means! He of all people should know that what we're doing takes skill! Perseverance! And-."

Daphne's body grew cold and she lowered herself into Martin's chair. "Oh dear…"

"What's wrong with you?"

She closed her eyes, praying that this was a dream. But when she opened them again she realized that it was, in fact a horrible nightmare, one that she had created. Could it really be possible that Niles had overheard her laughing about him in the kitchen? Niles and Frasier did so many things that confused and amused her and she never hesitated to let them know how ridiculous it made them look. But she never imagined that they would be truly hurt by her comments. Their father was always telling them how stupid or silly they seemed. Perhaps it was the fact that she was a woman that made the teasing hurt. Niles was so much more sensitive than Frasier and suddenly a terrible feeling came over her.

This wasn't good at all.

Forgetting all about the dirty dishes in the sink and the fact that she still had work to do, she removed her apron and tossed it into the kitchen. And then she hurried across the living room, grabbing her coat and purse.

"Oh Daphne where are you going now? Is everyone in this house completely senseless?"

"No, just you!" She snapped. "I'm going out!"

Frasier threw up his hands in defeat. "Oh well that's just great! Why doesn't everyone just run off and leave without any explanation whatsoever? First Dad, then Niles and now you and-"

But Daphne didn't hear him. She was already making her way into the lobby, willing the elevator to go faster. She just hoped that she wasn't too late.