Daphne forced a smile as she and Niles entered the room. David was wide awake, with a brand-new cast on his right arm.

"Hi, Mom! Look, I've got a cast! Isn't that the coolest thing you ever saw?"

It was clear that David's arm might be OK, but something still wasn't right. "Yes, son, it's a very nice cast," Niles said cautiously.

"I bet no one's ever had a cast as neat as mine! Not even Grandpa!"

Daphne looked at Niles, feeling worry creeping up once again. What is going on, she mouthed to her husband.

"David, just relax. I think the doctors probably gave you some pretty heavy drugs," Niles said.

"Drugs?" Daphne asked. "My son is high?"

Niles laughed nervously. "Something like that. He's….not quite himself now, as you can see."

Daphne could indeed see, for David continued to stare at his arm in wonder, as if he'd never seen it, or the cast on it before. She looked at Niles, wondering what on earth she was supposed to do.

"Remember when I ate that brownie that I thought had pot in it?" Niles asked. "Dad got it by mistake. He was like this then. He tried to offer me potato chips and chocolate pudding." He shuddered at the memory.

Somehow, Niles' explanation did little to calm Daphne's worries. How could doctors think that it was OK to fix her son's arm, yet make him like this?

Just then, the doctor entered the room. "His arm is set and in a cast, as you can see. We thought it best that he not be awake while we worked on him. As you can see, the drugs haven't quite worn off yet. I know this looks bad." The doctor acknowledged the look of fear on Daphne's face. "But don't worry, he'll come down soon. You're free to take him home whenever you like. Obviously, he'll need to keep the cast on for a while, but after that, he should be fine. This happens to kids more often than you think."

"Mom, can we go home now?" David's voice broke the silence. "I want to show Grandpa my cast. I bet he'll think it's awesome!"

"Maybe later," Daphne said. "I think we'd better get you home first, and you can show your grandfather tomorrow, all right?"

"But, Mom, no one's ever had a cast like this!"

"David," Niles said, using the firm voice that always let the boy know when he meant business. "You need your rest right now. We'll call your grandfather on the way home and let him know you're OK, and you can see him tomorrow."

Even the most powerful drugs couldn't stop David from hearing his father's tone. "All right," he reluctantly said, as Niles helped him down off the stretcher.

Within minutes, he and Daphne had signed all the necessary paperwork to take their son home. David was quieter now, but it was clear he was still fascinated by his cast.

Niles could see, as they drove home, that Daphne remained worried. "Everything's fine," he whispered. "I'm sure they didn't give him very much. No more than you or I would have for dental surgery."

"An adult is one thing," Daphne said. "But he's a child."

When they came to a red light, Niles squeezed his wife's hand. "I'm a doctor, too, remember? I care about David's well-being as much as you do. This is no reason to panic. I promise you."

"All right, then," Daphne said. She forced herself not to worry any more.

After a few moments of silence, Niles spoke up again. "Why don't you call Dad now? I'm sure he and Ronee are worried sick."

"Bloody hell, you're right," Daphne exclaimed, digging her cellphone out of her purse. She quickly pressed the speed dial. Her father-in-law answered on the first ring.

"Daph, what's the word? Do you guys need us to meet you at the hospital?"

"No," Daphne said. "We're on our way home, actually. It seems David fell at recess and broke his arm. It's in a cast now."

"Oh, well, that's not so bad. Ask Niles how many times he was in a cast!" Martin laughed at his sons' many futile attempts at playing sports.

Daphne forced a small laugh. "I wouldn't be worried, except the doctors gave him some drugs, and David isn't quite himself."

"Daph, I know he's your little boy, and you have a right to worry. But take it from an old cop, who also happens to be David's grandfather: he's going to be just fine. If I can survive one night high on pot, David can survive this."

Suddenly, Daphne found herself smiling. There was something about her former patient and father-in-law that put her at ease. She looked over at Niles, and it was clear he was glad to see she'd calmed down. "Thank you, Martin. I needed to hear that."

"Don't mention it, Daph. Tell David that Ronee and I said hi. And tell him I can't wait to see that cast of his!"

"Oh, he's dying to show you," Daphne said, amazed at how much lighter she felt than just moments ago. She realized that Niles had just made the turn into the Montana's parking area. They were home. "I'll see you tomorrow, old man," she said, pressing the "End" button on her phone.

"Do you feel better now?" Niles asked as he parked in their reserved space.

"Yes. I suppose I got a bit carried away, but I never expected to see me son like that!"

"It's understandable, my love." Niles glanced in the backseat. "I guess we'd better wake him."

Daphne followed her husband's glance. It was true, David had fallen fast asleep on the ride home. Somehow, the sight of her son looking so peaceful seemed like a sign. Everything would indeed be just fine.

The End