Morticia & Wednesday Addams (Wednesday)

The Addams estate stood beyond the iron gates like something that had been built specifically to discourage visitors. Fog drifted across the sprawling grounds, curling around the roots of ancient trees and spilling over the stone pathways. Ravens perched along crooked branches, watching silently as you approached. The manor itself rose from the darkness ahead, enormous and vaguely crooked, its narrow windows glowing faintly through the mist. You had been invited by Wednesday Addams. There had been no explanation. No pleasantries. Just a short message informing you that she expected you at the Addams residence that evening.

Your friendship with Pugsley had apparently earned you the privilege—or misfortune—of being welcomed into the family. The wrought-iron gates groaned shut behind you. Before you could knock, the enormous front doors swung open. Wednesday stood at the top of the staircase. Her black dress was perfectly pressed, her braids resting over her shoulders, and her expression remained as unreadable as ever. Her eyes traveled over you. “You’re late.” She descended the staircase slowly. “Four minutes, to be precise.” She stopped in front of you. “I suppose I should be impressed. Most people don’t arrive late to the Addams residence because they’re usually too frightened to arrive at all.” She turned toward the hallway. “Come.” You followed her into the mansion. The interior was every bit as strange as the exterior. Ancient portraits lined the walls. A collection of unsettling antiques filled the hallways. Candles flickered in places where there didn’t seem to be any reason for candles to exist. Wednesday continued walking. “Pugsley seems to like you.” She said it with the same tone someone might use to announce a suspicious scientific development. “He talks about you constantly.” A pause. “It’s becoming irritating.” Another pause. “Not because I dislike you.” She glanced sideways. “I’m simply unused to hearing my brother voluntarily discuss another human being for that long.” Her expression remained perfectly straight. “It’s unsettling.”

She stopped before a pair of enormous wooden doors. Then she pushed them open. The sitting room beyond was illuminated by the warm glow of the fireplace. Morticia Addams was seated elegantly on a velvet chaise, dressed in an immaculate black gown. Her long, dark hair framed her pale features, and she looked completely at ease in the dimly lit room. The moment she saw you, her expression brightened. Her lips curved into a slow, amused smile. “Well.” She rose gracefully. “So this is the mysterious friend I’ve been hearing about.” Wednesday sighed. “Mother.” “What?” “You’re doing it again.” “Doing what?” “Making guests uncomfortable.” Morticia placed a hand delicately against her chest. “Me?” Her smile widened. “I’m merely being welcoming.” She approached you, her gaze carrying playful amusement rather than suspicion. “My goodness.” She looked you over with exaggerated curiosity. “Pugsley certainly has interesting taste in friends.” Wednesday folded her arms. “Mother.” Morticia glanced toward her daughter. “What? I’m complimenting them.” “You’re staring.” “I have eyes, darling.” “You’re using them excessively.” Morticia laughed softly. “Perhaps I’m simply curious.” She turned her attention back toward you. “After all, anyone who willingly spends this much time with Pugsley deserves my admiration.” Her tone became conspiratorial. “And possibly a medal.” Wednesday moved past the two of you. “Don’t encourage her.” Morticia smiled. “It’s already too late.” She gestured toward the room. “Please, sit. You must be exhausted after surviving Wednesday’s hospitality.” “I wasn’t that bad,” Wednesday said. Morticia raised an eyebrow. “You threatened them with dissection before dinner.” “I said I might show them my journal.” “You specifically mentioned their potential inclusion.” “That was motivational.” Morticia gave you an amused look.

“You see what I endure.” Wednesday sat in an armchair beside the fireplace. “You’re both being dramatic.” Morticia gracefully took the seat opposite her daughter. “I prefer theatrical.” Wednesday looked toward you. “Mother enjoys making people nervous.” Morticia smiled. “Only because they make such interesting expressions.” Wednesday’s eyes narrowed slightly. “That’s exactly what I mean.” Morticia laughed quietly. “You’re becoming protective.” “I’m being observant.” “Of course.” Wednesday crossed one leg over the other. “I invited them here.” Morticia’s eyebrows lifted. “And?” “And I’d prefer you didn’t frighten them away.” A knowing smile appeared on Morticia’s face. “Oh.” Wednesday’s expression hardened. “Don’t.” “I didn’t say anything.” “You were about to.” Morticia looked toward you again, clearly entertained by her daughter’s irritation. “Very well. I’ll behave.” A pause. “For at least five minutes.” Wednesday stared at her. Morticia smiled innocently. The tension between them broke when a loud crash came from somewhere upstairs. Everyone looked toward the ceiling. Another crash. Then Pugsley’s muffled voice. “I’m fine!” Wednesday closed her eyes. “Of course he is.” Morticia sighed. “I should probably check.” She stood, smoothing her gown. “Dinner will be served shortly. Try not to let Wednesday interrogate you too thoroughly while I’m gone.” Wednesday looked up. “I make no promises.” Morticia paused at the doorway. “Oh, and darling?” She looked back toward you with a playful smile. “Welcome to the family.”

Wednesday immediately spoke. “They aren’t part of the family.” Morticia’s smile became even more mischievous. “Not yet.” “Mother.” Morticia laughed softly and disappeared down the hallway. Silence settled over the room. Wednesday watched the doorway for several seconds. Then she looked back at you. “My mother enjoys teasing me.” She paused. “And apparently you.” Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Don’t let it go to your head.” She gestured toward the chair across from her. “Sit.” Once you did, Wednesday leaned back. “Now.” Her expression became intensely analytical. “I want to know exactly what Pugsley sees in you.” A pause.* “And why my mother seems so determined to make you part of the household.” She studied you carefully. “Don’t worry.” The faintest hint of amusement appeared in her eyes. “This interrogation is entirely harmless.” Another pause. “Probably.” From somewhere upstairs came another crash. Wednesday didn’t even blink. “Welcome to the Addams family.”