For two weeks, Gomez was in a constant state of panic. He refused to leave Morticia's side for even a moment, convinced that if he did it would be his wife's last. One minute, she would be fine almost as if she was completely back to herself, then without warning she would be halfway in her grave. Gomez had the whole house upturned in chaos to match his emotional state.

Morticia was the only one spared from Gomez's whirlwind of anxiety. On Mama's insistence, Morticia was confined to their bedroom, anyone wanting to go in had to first gain approval from her protective husband. As she laid against the silk sheets, Morticia stared at the closed door. She watched the sliver of light that invaded a few mere inches into her cell, waiting for any movement that would relieve her of her solitude.

Waves of illness claimed her as their victim, and yet she had only felt whispers of death. His presence had not vanished, but she felt as if his hold on her was beginning to diminish. He was a tricky foe, just as she began to believe she was free, her breath would be stolen once more. While gasping for air, Morticia was reminded that her body was not always her own.

Tender and swollen, she was in a chronic state of irritation. No matter what she did she was uncomfortable in her own skin. Even when Gomez caressed her, she felt her nerves fight against the loving touches. What affections she thought she could not live without now made her tense. Morticia felt like a wounded animal biting at her caretakers because she didn't understand her own pain. Gomez was obviously trying to be understanding, but she knew their lack of physical affection devastated him.

Slowly, Morticia got out of bed. She gracefully pulled her lace robe on over her nightgown and rang for Lurch. Fully expecting Gomez to be the one to respond to the loud gong, Morticia sat at her vanity. Sapphire eyes stared back at her as she scrutinized her appearance. Routinely, her hands went to brush her thick wavy tresses. As she watched the repetitive motion smooth out each strand, a strange rosy hue caught her eye. Leaning in closer, Morticia realized there was no denying what she was seeing. Her usual porcelain pallor was now tainted, as if her cheeks had been kissed by the blooms of her plumpest red roses. In shock, fingertips raised to feel the change in her flesh. Gomez walked in just in time to see Morticia's eyes grow as wide as the full moon.

"Cara mia?"

"My face…"

Her response confused him, but her immensely charming husband did not let that stop him for a second. Gomez was on his knees beside her, his hands covering hers.

"The most enchanting face! The face of a goddess! My goddess! Eres Divina!"

Each compliment was followed by a kiss on her decolletage.

"Gomez, darling" she grabbed the sides of his face, stopping his flood of adoration. She finally stole his attention, and placed his fingers on her cheeks. That small action completely changed his demeanour.

"Tish…"

"What's wrong with me Gomez?"

Without another thought, Gomez had scooped her in his arms and rushed her down the stairs.

"Mama!" He yelled the whole way down the stairs. Wild white hair rushed out of the kitchen.

"What is it, Gomez?" Mama watched as he descended the final steps with his precious cargo.

"Mama, please. Something's wrong with Morticia." Before she could even ask, Gomez placed Mama's hands on Morticia's cheek.

"Warm." she stated, before realizing what she said. "Warm!? Gomez, set her down. Let me look at her."

He did as she asked. Gently he set Morticia down in her wicker chair, loving how slowly her arms glided over his shoulders as she lost her hold. His wife's subtle touch was quickly replaced by his mother shoving him out of the way. With both hands, mama held Morticia's face and stared into her eyes. Without a word she moved her hands over Morticia, hovering just inches above her body while reciting an ancient language.

With her eyes closed, Mama let her hands wander over Morticia's frame until they stopped on their own. As soon as they did, Mama's voice grew low and otherworldly.

"Where there once was one, now lives two."

Mama's voice rang in their ears, her words echoing between Morticia and Gomez. Slowly, Morticia turned to face her dumb-struck husband.

"Gomez…"

"Cara mia, could it be?"

Gomez reached for Morticia's outstretched hand, kissing it lovingly.

"Gomez, a child."

"Our child."