Chapter 8
Aleera gasped in surprise. "No! They can't do that!"
"Close the factory! That's insane!" exclaimed Mrs. Bucket.
By this time, Willy began to hyperventilate. Aleera watched him closely as he sat down in a chair, hardly listening to Mrs. Bucket who was reading the letter out loud.
Dear Mr. Willy Wonka,
We, the candy makers of the world, have decided that the time has come to put an end to the monopolization of the candy market. Thus, on the 12 of February, you're factory will be visited by certain officials with the power to decide whether or not you will be allowed to continue making candy. These officials will be given a tour of your factory. Failure to allow this will result in the immediate closing of the factory.
Sincerely,
Slugworth & co.
Willy whimpered and hugged his knees to his chest. "They can't do this to me!" he squeaked. "I'm Willy Wonka!"
Aleera put her arms around him, but he pushed her away and walked out of the house. She stared after him for a moment before following. Charlie called after her, telling her to leave Willy alone, but she ignored him.
…………………………………………………………………………
She found him by the chocolate river. He was still talking to himself, throwing bits of spearmint grass in the river. "Go away" he said when he saw her.
"No" she said simply, joining him in his making of spearmint flavored chocolate.
He made a move to leave, but she pulled him back. "Sit down!" she instructed.
It was such a blunt comment, and one with no hidden meaning at that. So he did what she said to do. Aleera put her arms around him. "Every thing will be ok." She whispered. "Everything goes through hard times. Its nature's way. How would a stag learn to defend itself if it didn't lose a fight or two? Or a person learn to better them selves if they don't make mistakes?" he didn't have an answer, so he didn't say any thing. He just listened to her speak. Letting the calmness of her voice wash over him. After a few moments she fell into silence.
"I suppose you're right he said. But, what am I gonna do I can't make candy?" he asked.
"That won't happen. Just because the stars are envious of the sun, doesn't mean they can dim its light and no matter how the wind howls the mountain cannot bow to it."
"Kay… you have fun with that." He said completely lost. She giggled but didn't bother explaining. Willy felt horrible. The possibility of losing the factory was enough to make him sick.
Aleera felt his uneasiness and was unsure of what to do. After a moment, and a deep breath, she began to sing a song her mother used to sing before she was completely insane.
I am a tree holding away the storm.
Here in my arms I'll keep you safe and warm.
Even the gods won't dare to cross this line
Where my life is forever yours
And you are mine.
The song is from the Broadway performance "once on this island"