When Reya arrived at the factory the next morning it seemed quieter somehow, not so bright and happy. She shrugged and walked up to the door, stepping through, already knowing by now that she was always welcome. An oompa-loompa walked by and she stopped him.
"Hey, do you know where Willy is?" "In his room," said the little oompa. "He's been in there all morning." Reya made a face. That was comepletely unlike him.
"Thanks," she said and headed down, knowing she would have to see what it was all about. As she walked, she tried to think of why he would be in there. It didn't make any sense to her and she walked over to his door, finding it shut. She knocked gently and waited. "Hey, are you in there?" she asked softly. No response. "Can I come in?" Still no answer and she began to worry. "Are you okay? Honey?" She cautiously opened the door and looked in. It was dark inside except for what little light was shining from the drapes. It suddenly felt very gloomy in there and she wondered if she should leave. Scanning the room carefully, she soon found him, laying on his bed, his back facing her. "Honey?" she called softly. He shifted a little so she knew he was awake, and she turned, shutting the door behind her. "Are you okay?" She walked over to the bed and moved to the side where she could see his face. He didn't look at her, but stared blankly at the drapes. For a moment, she thought he was dead, but she saw his breathing and sighed. Suddenly she understood. It all made sense to her and she remembered talking to him before.
It was his mother.
She felt a stab of pity, completely understanding the pain since it was so fresh to her, and she placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a soft squeeze. "It's okay," she said softly. She climbed on to the bed behind him and placed her arms around him, holding him gently. She felt tears gently fall on her arm and she rubbed his side comfortingly.
-
"Mommy I'm thirsty!" wailed the little boy, watching everything happen out in the hallway from his open door.
"One minute!" his mother said and he waited, fumbling around with the blankets. He heard footsteps and looked up eagerly. The footsteps went into the hallway and turned in to the bathroom. He waited to hear the sink turn on but it didn't.
"Mommy!" he called, but before he could say more he was cut off by a loud bang. Then there was dead silence and he looked around. "Mommy?" He jumped out of bed and ran into the bathroom. She was laying on the ground unnaturally, eyes wide and glazed over. She wasn't moving at all and a pool of blood was surrounding her. "Mommy"
-
Reya felt his body tense and she stroked his hair which was unkept, something that was unusual for him. "Shh," she hushed. "It's okay." She kissed his neck and held him closer until she felt his breathing slow and he was resting peacefully. She laid herself down and closed her eyes, drifting off in that sad but sweet moment.
-
Reya woke next to him, opening her eyes to see him watching her and holding her hand. "Your mother is going to be furious if you stay any longer," he said softly.
"I don't care," she muttered. "I'm a big girl, she'll just have to trust me. I don't care about me right now." He kissed her softly and looked at her.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"I don't know," he answered. "I don't know if it's day or night, today or tomorrow, this year or last year"
"Black with white stripes or white with black stripes?" He smiled for the first time and shook his head.
"I'm confused enough, my dear," he muttered and she smiled.
"I'm usually completely lost by this time myself"
"I know," he answered and kissed her. "But you really should go. I don't want your mother angry with you"
"Are you going to be okay?" "I'm fine now," he said. "Now quick, go." She climbed out of the bed, kissing him one last time and headed out the door. "Oh!" she said at the last minute. "This might help." She tossed him something and he caught it, looking at it. It was a Wonka healing bar and he smiled.
"Reya," he called, and she stopped, looking back. "Thanks." She nodded and left quietly.
He smiled to himself and laid down on his back, looking up at the ceiling. He knew he would most likely never tell her, but he knew he loved her the night she had come to him and told him she was trying to get better. He had kissed her on the cheek and she still thought it was only in a friend way. Smiling to himself he thought that it was probably better to keep that secret. He might tell her someday, but for now he saw no reason why he had to.
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