Enid paced back and forth in their cozy, mismatched apartment, her colorful socks muffling her steps against the wooden floor. Her blond hair, streaked with playful pink highlights, bounced as she moved, her fidgeting hands tugging at the hem of her pastel sweater. She glanced at the clock for the hundredth time, her wide, expressive eyes filled with worry. “Willa…” she muttered to herself, her voice wavering. “Where are you? You said you’d be back hours ago…”
The apartment was unusually quiet, the contrast to Enid’s usually bubbly presence making the silence almost oppressive. Her ears perked up as the sound of the lock turning echoed through the space. Enid whipped around, her worried expression immediately replaced with a mixture of relief and frustration.
Wednesday stepped through the door, her dark, shoulder-length hair slightly disheveled, her black attire contrasting sharply against the warm and colorful apartment. She paused upon seeing Enid, her usual poker face giving way to the slightest flicker of emotion—a mix of weariness and… something softer, though she wouldn’t admit it. She closed the door behind her with deliberate calm. “Ma lune,” Wednesday greeted, her voice low and even.
Enid froze for a moment, her relief turning to exasperation, her hands on her hips as she stared at Wednesday. “Willa! Where have you been? I was worried sick! You can’t just… disappear like that without telling me where you’re going!”
Wednesday raised a single eyebrow, her gaze cool and steady. “I had matters to attend to. I’m here now, and as you can see, I’m unharmed.”
Enid’s lips quivered, her bright energy dimming for a moment as tears threatened to spill. She shook her head, her voice cracking slightly, “That’s not the point, Weds! You scared me! I thought… I thought something might’ve happened to you. And what if it had? What was I supposed to do?”
Wednesday hesitated, the flicker of emotion returning to her usually impassive face. For a moment, she looked almost… guilty, though she quickly masked it with her characteristic indifference. Still, her voice softened, just enough for Enid to notice. “Ma lupa… I didn’t mean to frighten you. My delay was unavoidable, but I should have informed you.”
Enid sniffled, crossing her arms tightly over her chest as she stared down at the petite goth standing before her. Even now, in her frustration, she couldn’t help but think of how much Wednesday meant to her—the quiet strength in her presence, the way she could convey so much in so few words. But that didn’t make the worry any easier. “Well… you should have,” Enid mumbled, her voice tinged with lingering hurt. “Because I care about you, okay? I can’t just sit here and pretend I don’t when you scare me like that.”
Wednesday sighed quietly, stepping closer to Enid. She tilted her head slightly, her dark eyes meeting Enid’s bright, tear-filled ones. There was a moment of silence before Wednesday spoke, her voice low but sincere. “I care about you as well, ma lune. More than I allow myself to show. I underestimated how much my absence would affect you… and for that, I apologize.”
Enid blinked, her heart skipping a beat at the uncharacteristic vulnerability in Wednesday’s words. She sniffled again, her arms slowly uncrossing as she searched Wednesday’s face, her voice softening, “You really mean that?”
Wednesday nodded, her expression remaining calm, though her dark eyes held an intensity that left no room for doubt. “I do. Your concern is… not something I take lightly. Nor is your presence in my life.”
Enid’s lips trembled again, but this time it wasn’t from frustration or sadness—it was from the overwhelming gratitude she felt in that moment. Without thinking, she stepped forward, throwing her arms around Wednesday in a tight hug. Wednesday stiffened slightly at first, but then, with a small sigh, she allowed herself to return the embrace, her hands resting lightly on Enid’s back.
For a moment, the world seemed to stop around them, the weight of the night’s emotions fading as they stood there in each other’s arms. Enid buried her face in Wednesday’s shoulder, her tears drying as a soft smile spread across her lips. “Thanks, Willa,” Enid whispered, her voice muffled but filled with warmth. “For coming back. For… being you.”
Wednesday didn’t respond immediately, but her hold on Enid loosened just slightly. Feeling the need to distance herself, she finally spoke, “Enid, judging by your distress it was obvious you needed to hear that so I complied with what I saw fit.”
Enid stiffened and when she spoke her voice, usually bright and cheerful, was tight and trembling. "Just... just leave me alone, Wednesday!" she choked out, tears welling up in her eyes. She turned sharply, her colorful socks padding against the wooden floor as she stormed towards her room. The door slammed shut, the sound echoing through the apartment, a sharp punctuation mark on their argument.
Wednesday just stood there regretting her words as soon as they came out, unable to bring back the moment.
Inside her room, Enid's carefully constructed world of pastels and plushies felt suffocating. She sank onto her bed, burying her face in a pile of soft pillows, her sobs muffled. The argument replayed in her mind, each word a sharp shard of glass. She felt misunderstood, hurt, and utterly alone.
A wave of restless energy washed over her. She couldn't stay in this room, trapped by her own emotions. With a determined sniffle, she wiped her tears and glanced at the window. An idea sparked. It was a bit risky, but she needed air, space, and a moment to herself. She quietly opened the window and, with a bit of a scramble, climbed out onto the sloping roof.
The cool night air was a welcome contrast to the stuffy room. Enid huddled near the edge of the roof, her knees drawn up to her chest, the city lights twinkling below like a scattered handful of stars. She let the tears fall freely now, a silent stream of frustration and sadness.
Inside the apartment, Wednesday stood in the living room, her expression unreadable. She watched the closed door of Enid's room, a flicker of something akin to worry in her dark eyes. The silence was heavy, broken only by the faint sounds of Enid’s muffled cries. Then, a movement caught her attention. A figure climbing out the window.
Wednesday's eyes widened slightly. She watched as Enid settled onto the roof, her posture slumped, her shoulders shaking. A wave of… something unfamiliar washed over her. Concern? Perhaps. She couldn't quite name it, but she knew she couldn't leave Enid alone.
With a quiet determination, Wednesday slipped out the window and onto the roof, her movements as fluid and silent as a shadow. She approached Enid slowly, her footsteps barely audible. She sat a short distance away, giving Enid space, but close enough to offer comfort if needed.
The silence stretched between them, punctuated only by Enid's soft sobs. Wednesday waited patiently, her gaze fixed on the cityscape, her presence a silent reassurance.
Eventually, Enid's sobs subsided, replaced by quiet sniffles. She glanced at Wednesday, her eyes red and puffy. "What are you doing here?" she whispered, her voice hoarse.
"I saw you leave," Wednesday replied, her voice low and even. "I thought you might need… company."
Enid looked away, a fresh wave of tears threatening to spill. "I just... I needed to get out of there," she mumbled. "I feel like you don't even understand me."
Wednesday hesitated, then spoke, her voice softer than usual. "I may not always understand your… exuberance. But I do understand sadness. And loneliness."
Enid turned to her, surprised. "You do?"
Wednesday nodded, her gaze steady. "We are more alike than you think, Enid. We both… experience things."
A tentative silence fell between them, the tension slowly dissipating. Wednesday shifted slightly, closing the distance between them. She didn't touch Enid, but her presence was a warm, comforting weight.
"It's okay to feel upset," Wednesday said quietly. "It doesn't make you weak."
Enid sniffled, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Thanks, Willa," she whispered. "That... that actually helps."
Wednesday nodded, a small, almost imperceptible smile gracing her lips. The city lights twinkled around them, a silent witness to their unlikely connection, a bond forged in shared vulnerability and quiet understanding.
Enid sobbed, her body shaking with emotion. Wednesday held her close, offering a comforting embrace. Enid leaned against Wednesday, her face pressed against the soft fabric of Wednesday's shirt, seeking solace. Tears flowed freely, and Enid failed to blink them back. Wednesday, though hesitant and unsure of how to respond, felt a surge of protectiveness. After a dramatic internal battle, she hugged Enid tightly. They stayed like that for a while, a silent exchange of comfort and support. As they began to pull away, Wednesday gently pressed a kiss to Enid's forehead, a gesture of affection and reassurance. Enid hugged her again, a silent "thank you." When they finally broke apart, they sat in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company. The city lights twinkled around them, and a sense of calm settled over them. Everything would be alright, as long as she was with her wolf.