Dark storm clouds hung over the factory, and despite the cheerfulness of everything inside, a slight gloom still filled the massive building. Charlie could feel it. He sighed and pushed a small strand of hair out of his eyes as he watched the Oompa-Loompas make their daily rounds. Even they were uneasy, and you KNEW something was wrong if the Oompa-Loompas were upset.
Charlie thought he knew why. Nothing had been heard from Mr. Wonka----or Willy, as he wanted Charlie to call him----for nearly four days now. In the entire six years of their partnership, he had never just disappeared like this (not without a reason, anyway). Though he couldn't exactly think of it as a partnership. Mr. Wonka had been more of a mentor and father figure to Charlie, teaching him everything he knew and nurturing the wonderful creative ideas that Charlie didn't even know he had. Wonka obviously adored his young pupil, singing his praises often and loudly and even venturing a wary sign of affection here and there: a slight hug, a quick ruffle of the hair, and the occasional arm around the shoulders. Charlie cherished any gesture in his favor.
Yet…Mr. Wonka seemed so DISTANT from him. He was THERE, in plain view every day, but never truly THERE. Charlie wanted desperately to think of him as more than just a mentor; He wanted him as a friend. It became increasingly obvious though, that Mr. Wonka just did not seem to feel this way. He still flinched every time Charlie touched him, whether by accident or on purpose, and though Charlie often came to him with his troubles or thoughts, Mr. Wonka hardly ever spoke what he was feeling. He hardly ever SPOKE, if it didn't have to do with the factory, and any effort to just talk had been waved away and replaced by some very convenient disaster in some far-off room on the other side of the factory.
But why would Mr. Wonka be avoiding him?
Sighing, Charlie rolled over onto his back and stared at the Chocolate Room's far-off ceiling, enjoying the heat and the smell of melted chocolate. He let his mind wander aimlessly, thinking of everything and nothing at the same time. He vaguely became aware of a presence sitting just behind him, and turned his head toward it.
" Hello Charlie. Enjoying yourself?"
There sat Mr. Wonka himself, smiling quietly as if popping up after four days gone was the most natural thing in the world. Charlie would be furious if he wasn't so happy to see him. "Where have you been?", asked Charlie as he sat up and looked Mr. Wonka right in the eyes.
The older man shifted a little uncomfortably and flashed his perfected plastic grin. "Why, nothing's wrong…Well something, but…. Here, why don't you come with me and I'll explain it the best way I know how." Then, as he stood up, Mr. Wonka did something he'd never done before.
He offered Charlie his hand.
It was a small gesture, and merely to help Charlie to his feet, but the fact that Mr. Wonka had willingly touched him was a very good sign. Charlie smiled in spite of himself, and hurried to keep up with Mr. Wonka's long strides.
"Hurry Charlie, I have a lot to talk about……"