While leaning over to blow out his birthday candles, Frasier’s back seizes up. Roz and Niles insist Frasier’s problem is a result of stress—a diagnosis Frasier denies, even though Niles’ orthopedic doctor cannot find a physical reason for Frasier’s discomfort. Whatever the cause, the doctor shoots Frasier full of tranquilizers and sends him home.

Wondering if there’s something to the stress theory, a somewhat delirious Frasier begins listing aloud the reasons he may be feeling anxious. He realizes that he’s upset about Daphne marrying and leaving the household, and when Daphne overhears Frasier say that he loves her, she assumes he means that in a romantic way.

When Daphne confides in Martin that “Dr. Crane loves me,” Martin instantly assumes she means Niles, who has had a crush on Daphne for years. To Daphne’s relief, Frasier clarifies that he loves Daphne as a friend. But when his pain pills once again make Frasier woozy, he spills the beans that Niles is smitten by her. Later, Frasier doesn’t remember what he told Daphne, so she doesn’t let on that she now knows the stunning truth: Niles is in love with her.