"Ready, darling?"
Gomez stuck his lit cigar in his pocket and raised the racket in his right hand. "Ready, 'Tish!"
The shuttlecock languorously drifted over the net, only to be forcefully flung back to the other side. Anyone would have missed such a hit, but Morticia Addams was not anyone. Gomez barely lowered his arm when the small cone came flying towards him with just as much force. Through the thin net he caught a glimpse of dark red lips producing a sinister grin…
10 minutes later the only audible sounds reverberating around the room were swishing noises and an occasional grunt from Gomez. Enraptured by the badminton game, Gomez jumped and darted every which way. Each hit was harder than the last. Morticia had just served the birdie back to him when a booming sound shook the house. Startled, Gomez let the birdie fly over him into the conservatory. "Caramba!" he spat. Then, smiling at his opponent he added, "we were on fire."
Morticia ducked under the net and went to her husband's side. "Aren't we always?" She mischievously smirked.
He pulled her closer to him. "Infinitely, cara mia, infinitely."
She patted his chest. "Darling, where do you suppose that sound came from? I thought the children were in school."
"It's probably Uncle Fester."
Just then another loud blast erupted, followed by a flickering of the lights. In unison they looked towards the ceiling then back at each other. "I think you're right. Well, I hope whatever he's doing doesn't take up too much energy. I'll need his assistance to power the cake mixer for me."
"Ah, yes! How time flies!" Gomez exclaimed.
Morticia sighed. "It seems like just yesterday he was a tiny cub, terrorizing the neighborhood cats." Nostalgic thoughts ran through her mind as they walked into the conservatory. Sprawled in the middle of the sun-lit room, amongst exotic and poisonous plants, was Kitty Cat. The hefty lion slept soundly with his paws stretched out, basking greedily in the sun's warmth.
Gomez began looking for the birdie while Morticia lovingly studied the lion. "Do you see it anywhere, Tish?" He searched each plant and scanned the floor. "By George, I hope it didn't fly away again," he muttered to himself. He was about to get on his hands and knees when Morticia spoke up.
"Look darling, Kitty caught something."
"In his sleep?" They tip-toed closer. Lying next to Kitty Cat was a plastic birdie playing peek-a-boo from behind his raggedy mane. Gomez was about to lunge for it when Kitty Cat's yellow eyes opened wide, peering directly into his.
Catching Gomez's off-guard reaction, Morticia gracefully swooped down, claimed the birdie, and gave Kitty a scratch behind the ear. "Here you are darling." She placed the shuttlecock in his palm.
"Thank you my dear. Shall we?" Gomez turned, motioning his attention towards the empty living room. When Morticia didn't reciprocate, he looked back at the lazy lion and then at her. "Morticia?"
She was gazing longingly at the large cat. She stood with her head tilted, deep in thought. He knew that pose too well. "Tish?" he cautiously touched her elbow.
"Hmm?"
He held up the birdie.
"Oh, I'm sorry darling. I was just thinking…" She paused, waiting for his encouragement before continuing. "Well, we don't spend as much time with Kitty as we used to. Sure, Mama and the children play with him but what about us? When was the last time the three of us enjoyed a leisurely midnight stroll through the cemetery? Do you think we've been neglecting him?"
"Nonsense!" Gomez grabbed the cigar from his pocket and started puffing on it. "We're throwing a birthday party for him, aren't we?"
She pursed her lips and shook her head. "No, that's not enough." She toyed with her necklace, eyes still glued to Kitty.
While she stared at the feline an idea suddenly flashed in her mind and showed through her eyes. She enthusiastically turned towards her husband. "Why don't you and I give Kitty Cat a bath this afternoon? It'll be a good way to spend some time with him."
"A bath? For a cat?" Gomez used his hands for extra emphasis.
"Oh darling, but you love giving Aristotle a bath with me." She sidled up to him, "Bubala?" The flow of fervent kisses crawling up her arm was the only answer needed.