Rise and let the rain murmur,
Hear the drops weave their tale,
Welcome the night—step outside,
Be the last to bid the day farewell.

Chapter 9

The moment the news flashed across the monitor, Willy felt the air in the room shift. The words "airports closed" and "global lockdown" seemed to echo louder than the hum of the Inventing Room's machines. His eyes darted to Lyyli, who stood frozen beside him. He could see the color draining from her face, her breath hitching as the reality of the situation sank in. Her hands trembled, and her wide, green eyes flicked between the screen and the window, as if searching for an escape that didn't exist.

"Lyyli?" he said softly but concerned. She didn't answer. Her body stiffened, and her breathing grew shallow. Before he could say another word, her knees buckled. Instinctively, Willy stepped forward, his arms wrapping around her just as she went limp. He caught her with ease, her body light and fragile in his hold.

"Lyyli!" he called, his voice sharper now, tinged with panic. But she didn't stir. Her eyes remained closed, her face pale and serene, as if she were merely asleep. But the stillness of her body, the way her limbs hung limp, sent a jolt of fear through him.

Charlie was at his side in an instant, his young face etched with worry. "Mrs. Lyyli?!" he exclaimed, his voice trembling. "Is she okay?"

Willy didn't answer immediately. His focus was entirely on her. He shifted her slightly in his arms, one hand gently cupping her cheek. "Lyyli," he said again, softer this time, his thumb brushing against her skin. "Wake up, Lyyli. Come on."

When she didn't respond, he gave her a few light taps on the cheek, his touch careful. "Lyyli, please," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. But still, she didn't wake.

Charlie had never seen Willy like this before. The man who always had a plan, who always seemed to know exactly what to do, now looked lost. His usual spark was gone, replaced by a quiet, almost desperate intensity.

The Oompa Loompas, who had been watching them, quickly approached, their tiny faces filled with concern. They chattered softly among themselves, their usual mischief replaced by genuine worry for the girl in their boss's arms.

"We should lay her down on her bed." Charlie suggested, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes.

Willy nodded, though his mind was racing. He couldn't shake the image of her collapsing, the way her body had gone so still, so lifeless. "Let's go to the elevator. Bring the doctor!" he said to the Oompa Loompas, his voice firm despite the unease churning in his chest. Without waiting for a response, he adjusted his grip, one arm beneath her knees and the other supporting her back. Her hair fell loose, spilling over his arm and trailing behind her like a dark waterfall. She felt so light, so fragile, as if she might shatter if he held her too tightly.

Charlie hurried ahead, holding doors open and clearing the path as Willy carried her through the factory. The Oompa Loompas followed close behind, their tiny footsteps barely audible against the hum of the machines. When they reached her room, Willy gently laid her down on the bed, his movements careful and deliberate. He sat by her side, brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering for a moment as he studied her. As he watched over her, Willy couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness.

Some Oompa Loompas lingered in the doorway, their usual mischief replaced by worry. Charlie stood nearby, his young face pale with worry. Just as the tension in the room threatened to become unbearable, the door creaked open, and in marched two small figures—a doctor Oompa Loompa, complete with a miniature stethoscope and a serious expression, followed closely by an Oompa Loompa nurse carrying a tiny medical bag.

Willy straightened up, relief flooding through him at the sight of them. "Doctor, she fainted. She hasn't woken up yet."

The doctor nodded briskly, his sharp eyes already assessing the situation. Without a word, he climbed onto the bed with surprising agility, his nurse close behind. Willy and Charlie watched intently as the doctor listened to her heartbeat with his stethoscope, checked her pulse, and examined her breathing.

After a moment, the doctor turned to them and gave a series of quick, precise gestures, his hands moving in their own language. Willy's eyes widened as he interpreted the signs. "Her pulse is back to normal?" he repeated, his voice tinged with relief. "That's good."

The doctor nodded, his expression still serious but no longer grim. He reached into his medical bag and pulled out a small piece of cloth, then produced a tiny vial of clear liquid. With practiced ease, he poured a few drops of the liquid onto the cloth and leaned over Lyyli once more. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, almost instantly, Lyyli's eyelids fluttered. Her chest rose with a deep, shuddering breath, and her eyes slowly opened, blinking as she tried to focus on the faces above her.

"Lyyli!" Willy exclaimed, his voice filled with relief. He leaned closer. "You're awake. Thank goodness."

She blinked up at him, her green eyes clouded with confusion. "Where..?" she murmured, her voice weak but steady. "What... what happened?"

"You fainted," Charlie said gently. "But you're okay now. The doctor took care of you."

Lyyli's gaze shifted to the doctor Oompa Loompa, who was now packing up his instruments with the help of his nurse. She blinked in surprise, her lips curving into a faint smile. "An Oompa Loompa doctor?" she said, her voice still soft but tinged with amusement. "Of course."

The doctor Oompa Loompa hopped off the bed and gave Willy a firm nod, his expression stern but satisfied. He gestured to Lyyli, then to the door, clearly indicating that she needed rest but would be fine. Willy nodded in understanding. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "You're a lifesaver."

The doctor gave a small, dignified bow, then turned and marched out of the room, his nurse following close behind. The other Oompa Loompas, who had been watching from the doorway, began to disperse, their chatter returning to its usual playful tone now that the crisis had passed.

Charlie stepped closer, his face still pale but his eyes bright with relief. "Mrs. Lyyli, you scared us," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "Are you feeling okay?"

Lyyli turned to him, her smile softening. "I'm okay, Charlie," she said, her voice gentle. "Just a little dizzy. Thank you for looking out for me."

Charlie nodded, his cheeks flushing slightly. "Of course," he said. "We were really worried."

"You gave us quite a scare," he said, his tone light but his eyes serious. "How are you feeling now?"

Lyyli took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the ceiling as she gathered her thoughts. "I feel... better," she said slowly. "Still a little shaken, but better." She turned to him, her green eyes searching his. "Willy, what happened? I can't remember..."

Then Lyyli's brow furrowed as the memories of the news report came flooding back. Her breath hitched, and she tried to sit up, but Willy placed a firm yet gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Easy," he said. "You need to rest for a moment."

"Willy," she said after a moment, her voice steadier but still tinged with anxiety, "what am I going to do? If the airports are closed... I can't stay here forever."

Willy's mind raced, but he kept his expression calm. "First things first," he said. "You're safe here. The factory is one of the most secure places in the world. Nothing can get in or out without my say-so. You have nothing to worry about on that front."

"But the band, the guys… they'll be worried. And what about my commitments? I have concerts, interviews..."

Willy exchanged a quick glance with Charlie, who looked equally worried. "We'll figure it out," he assured her, his voice steady despite the unease in his chest. "We'll find a way."

Charlie nodded vigorously. "Yeah, we'll help you. Don't worry."

Lyyli nodded, though her eyes still held a flicker of unease.

"And you can stay with us for as long as you need. My family won't mind. They already like you." Charlie added.

Lyyli managed a small smile at that. This boy is so lovely, she thought. "Thank you, Charlie. You're so sweet."

Her expression shifted, her brow furrowing slightly. "My phone," she said suddenly, her voice tinged with urgency. "I need to call the guys. They'll be worried sick if they can't reach me."

Willy's eyes flicked to the nightstand, where her phone lay silently. He reached over and picked it up, holding it out to her. "Here," he said, his tone light but with a hint of mischief. "Though I must say that thing's far too noisy. Always buzzing and beeping."

She narrowed her eyes at him, a teasing retort clearly on the tip of her tongue, but the screen of her phone lit up, cutting her off. Her eyes grew wide as she saw the notifications. "Oh my God. Tero's tried to call me more than 100 times! And Matti called too. I gotta call them back." Her fingers flew across the screen, but she paused, hesitating. "No, I'll call Matti first. He can deal with Tero."

Willy raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What's wrong?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes sharp.

Lyyli sighed, her gaze drifting away for a moment. "Oh, nothing. It's just... Tero is too worried and protective all the time. Always watching my steps," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of fondness and exasperation.

Willy's jaw tightened slightly, though he kept his expression neutral. "Sounds like he's trying to control you," he said, his tone light but with an edge to it.

Lyyli's head snapped up, her green eyes locking onto his. "It's not like that!" she replied quickly, her voice firm. "He's just... overprotective. That's all."

Willy held her gaze for a moment, his mind racing with questions he didn't dare ask. Before he could say anything else, she put the phone to her ear and waited. A few seconds later, someone answered the call.

"Matti!" she exclaimed, her voice brightening as she launched into rapid Finnish. Willy couldn't help but notice the way her face lit up when she talked to Matti, the way her laughter bubbled up effortlessly. It was a stark contrast to the tension he'd seen when she mentioned Tero. He couldn't deny either the protective surge that rose in him whenever he thought about someone trying to control her. Lyyli was strong, independent, and fiercely talented. The idea of anyone trying to clip her wings made his blood boil.

After a very quick call, Lyyli hung up and set her phone down on the bed, letting out a long breath. "Matti's going to let the others know I'm okay," she said, her voice softer now. "He said they've been going crazy trying to reach me."

Willy nodded, his expression neutral but his eyes still sharp. "Good," he said. "I'm glad you got through to him."

Charlie glanced at his mentor, his brow furrowing slightly as if he could sense the tension in him.

"Well, you better stay in bed for the rest of the day," Willy said, forcing a smile. "Let's get going, Charlie", but before he could take any step, Lyyli reached out and grabbed his arm. Her touch was gentle but firm, and it sent a jolt of electricity through him. He froze, his heart skipping a beat as he turned to look at her.

"Wait," she said, her voice soft but insistent. "I'm okay now! I wanna go with you."

Willy hesitated, his gaze softening as he looked down at her. Her green eyes were wide and pleading, her expression a mix of determination and frustration.

"You need to rest," he said firmly, his tone gentle but unyielding. "The doctor said so. You've been through a lot today, and pushing yourself isn't going to help."

Lyyli's shoulders slumped, and she let out a small huff of frustration. "But I feel fine now," she insisted, her voice tinged with a hint of defiance. "I don't want to just sit here while you two go off."

Willy crouched down slightly so he was at eye level with her, his expression softening. "I know you do," he said, his voice calm but reassuring. "But there's plenty of time to see the factory. It's not going anywhere, and neither are we."

The words hung in the air for a moment, and the room fell silent. Charlie shifted uncomfortably, glancing between the two of them. The mention of "plenty of time" felt awkward, given the uncertainty of the lockdown.

Willy forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "If you need anything, just call us or the Oompa Loompas," he said, his tone cheerful but with a hint of finality. "They'll take good care of you."

Lyyli's expression shifted, her lips pressing into a thin line as she crossed her arms over her chest. She looked like a child who had just been told she couldn't have dessert, her frustration evident in every line of her body. "Fine," she muttered, though her tone made it clear she wasn't happy about it. But then again she shifted, gave them a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, guys," she said. "For taking care of me."

Willy straightened up, giving her one last reassuring smile before turning to Charlie. "Come on, Charlie," he said, his tone lighter now.

Charlie nodded, though he couldn't help but glance back at Lyyli as they left the room. She was still sitting on the bed, her arms crossed and her expression stubborn, but there was a flicker of something else in her eyes—something that made him feel a little uneasy.

As they stepped into the hallway, Willy closed the door softly behind them. He let out a long breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly now that they were out of the room. Charlie looked up at him, his brow furrowed in concern.

"Is she going to be okay?" he asked, his voice quiet.

Willy nodded, though his expression was thoughtful. "Of course!" he said. "She just needs time to rest. And... well, time to adjust to everything that's happening."

They walked back to the Chocolate Room in silence. Charlie could tell Willy was deep in thought—most likely about her.

After a moment, Charlie spoke up. "You changed when she mentioned that guy… the one who kept calling her."

Willy stopped in his tracks, clearly caught off guard. "No, I didn't. That's just your imagination."

Charlie considered pressing further but decided to let it go. "I'm heading inside to check the news. Are you sure you're okay?"

Willy forced a smile. "Why, of course! Besides, it's been a rather stressful day for everyone. You should get some rest too. See you tomorrow!"

Charlie gave him a small wave before disappearing into his house, leaving Willy alone with his thoughts.

Later that night, sleep evaded Willy entirely. He lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, his mind tangled in the whirlwind of the day's events. Everything had happened so quickly. He had reunited with Lyyli after years apart, and despite all the time that had passed, their connection remained as natural as ever. And then, just as suddenly, the world had shifted.

He had been keeping an eye on the news, aware of the virus spreading from Asia, but he never imagined it would escalate this fast—shutting down entire countries, including his own. Now Lyyli was stuck inside the factory. With him. For how long?

The thought sent him spiraling into the past. He remembered the kiss she had given him the day he left Lapland—the one he hadn't allowed himself to dwell on for years. He never quite figured out what it had meant, for her or for him. And then, when she visited him later, he had kissed her instead. It was impulsive, instinctual—he hadn't questioned it at the time, only that it felt right. But friends didn't do that, did they? The memory made his face warm.

Then came the thought that truly unsettled him—Tero. Her answer earlier that day gnawed at him, stirring something hot and unfamiliar in his chest. Why does it bother me so much? He clenched his jaw, forcing the thought away before it could ruin his night any further.

Realizing there was no way he'd fall asleep now, he threw off the covers, slipped on his night robe, and decided to take a walk to clear his mind. The factory was quiet, he climbed the grand staircase, his steps light against the polished floor, making his way to one of his favorite rooms that always brought him peace—the library.

He pushed the door open, stepping into the dimly lit library. The low lighting gave the room a warm, intimate glow, casting long shadows across the towering bookshelves that lined the walls. Each shelf was packed with books of every kind—chemistry, confectionery science, fantasy, horror—subjects that intrigued him. A fire crackled gently in the grand fireplace, its flickering light reflecting off the polished wood floors.

At the far end of the room, a massive window stretched from floor to ceiling, revealing a sweeping view of the town below. Tonight, however, the streets were barely visible through the heavy downpour. Rain lashed against the glass, and the sky rumbled with distant thunder. It had been storming for hours.

Willy often found solace here, sitting by the window, watching the world outside while sorting through the chaos of his thoughts. But tonight, he wasn't alone.

A sudden flash of lightning illuminated the room, revealing the silhouette of someone sitting by the window. His breath caught slightly as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. It was Lyyli.

She also wore a nightrobe and was sat with her legs pulled close, her gaze fixed on the rain beyond the glass. He took a quiet step forward, watching her. She had been there for a while, lost in thought, unaware of his presence.

Only when he came closer did she finally notice him, her head turning slightly. Their eyes met, and for a moment, neither of them spoke until she smiled at him.

Willy felt an unexpected warmth spread through him at her smile. It was such a simple thing, yet it had the power to ease the tension that had been weighing on him all night.

"Hey, how did you know I was here?" she asked softly.

"How did you find this room?" he blurted instead, his usual smoothness failing him.

Lyyli let out a small chuckle, glancing down at her feet. "Well… I couldn't sleep, and I was bored. So, I just started wandering around in the dark. I went up the stairs and… found this place." She lifted her head again, her eyes meeting his. "I like what you did with it," she added, her gaze drifting over the towering bookshelves, the soft glow of the fire reflecting in her eyes. "You couldn't sleep either, huh?"

He shook his head and sat by the window, now facing her. "Absolutely not. Today was… well, you know."

She looked back at the rain, watching as lightning streaked across the sky. "I love storms," she murmured. "Primordial. Every bit of civilization gone. Everything true coming out."

Always so poetic. He watched her with quiet admiration—she had a way with words that resonated with him. How do you do that? he wondered.

"Did you ever think something like this would happen?" he asked. "It still doesn't feel real."

"A worldwide lockdown? That's something straight out of a dystopian novel." Lyyli answered.

A comfortable silence settled between them before she spoke again. "It's strange," she murmured, "how after all these years, it still feels… natural, talking like this."

Willy tilted his head, observing her. "Yeah," he admitted, his voice quieter now. "It does."

Lyyli sighed, resting her chin on her knee. "I missed this."

That made something in his chest tighten. He opened his mouth, hesitated, then finally said, "I did too."

She turned to face him completely, her gaze thoughtful as she studied him. "You've changed," she mused. "But at the same time… you haven't."

Willy arched a brow. "That's vague."

She smiled. "I mean, you still have that same… energy. But there's something different too… I can't quite put my finger on it."

He tilted his head, considering her words. "Well, I could say the same about you. You've changed too."

That caught her interest. She leaned in slightly. "Oh? How so?"

Willy hesitated, carefully choosing his words. "You've always been strong-willed, but now it's like… you own it. Like nothing can shake you."

Lyyli raised an eyebrow, an amused glint in her eye. "You say that like you weren't just as stubborn."

"I am not stubborn," he huffed, crossing his arms.

She let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Oh, please! You absolutely are."

Willy scoffed, indignant. "That's called determination."

"Sure," she teased. "Let's go with that."

He hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Hey… do you remember the last time we saw each other?"

Lyyli's expression softened. "Of course I do. You shut down the factory. I came as soon as I read about it in the news."

He glanced at her before adding, "You know… in a way, you're the reason I found the Oompa Loompas."

She blinked, caught off guard. "Wait—me? How can it be possible?"

The memory pulled him back, years ago, to a time when the world felt like it had turned against him. It had only been a few days since he announced the factory's closure—an announcement that sent shockwaves through the industry. The headlines had been relentless:

"Willy Wonka Closes Factory—For Good!"
"The End of an Era: No More Wonka Chocolates?"

He had shut himself inside his grand, empty factory, away from the cameras, the reporters, and the opportunists who suddenly came knocking. The once-bustling rooms stood silent. No whirring machines, no bubbling chocolate rivers, no excited chatter of workers in the hallways.

The betrayal stung more than anything. He had trusted them, those workers, given them jobs, a purpose… and yet, they had turned around and sold his life's work to those copycats—Slughworth, Prodnose, Fickelgruber. Thieves. All of them.

Willy had paced through the empty halls, his footsteps echoing off the tiled floors. He barely ate. Barely slept.

He hated the silence.

On the third night, the intercom buzzed—loud, insistent, refusing to be ignored.

At first, Willy thought he was imagining it. No one had dared approach the factory since his announcement, except for the reporters he kept ignoring. But this time, something felt different. Familiar.

Curious—and mildly irritated by the persistence—he switched on the security cameras, scanning the gates. The moment he saw her, he hesitated.

Lyyli.

She stood outside in the cold, arms wrapped tightly around her coat, breath curling in the crisp night air. Her dark eyes lifted, searching the high windows of the factory, as if she knew exactly where he was watching from. And for the first time in days, he felt seen.

Without thinking, he pressed the button to open the gates.

The metal groaned as they parted, and she slipped inside, striding toward the main entrance with purpose.

As Lyyli stepped inside, she glanced around the massive, empty space. The factory had always been larger than life, filled with wonder, but now… it felt hollow. Lifeless.

Her eyes scanned the dimly lit factory entrance, searching—until they met his.

Willy stood there, unchanged yet somehow completely different. He was as striking as she remembered, but the light in him had faded. His usual spark was gone, replaced by a hollow weariness that made her chest ache.

Without thinking, she ran to him, throwing her arms around him in a fierce embrace—the kind she hadn't given him since their last meeting.

For a moment, he remained still, unresponsive. But then, slowly, almost hesitantly, his arms came around her, holding on just as tightly.

"You actually came," he muttered, almost in disbelief.

She pulled back slightly, just enough to look him in the eye. "Of course I did." Her voice was steady, unwavering, like it had never even been a question.

Her gaze softened, but there was something firm beneath it. "What happened?"

His jaw tensed, and he exhaled sharply, stepping back and running a hand through his wild curls. "You read the news," he said flatly, avoiding her eyes now. "You know what happened."

"I know what they're saying." She crossed her arms, tilting her head. "But I want to hear it from you."

Something flickered in his eyes—wounded pride, exhaustion, maybe both. He let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head. "What's there to say? They stole from me. My own workers. Took everything I built and handed it over to those… those parasites." His voice grew sharper, edged with anger. "So I shut it down. I had no choice."

Lyyli was silent for a moment, watching him. Then, softly, "No choice?"

His head snapped up. "What else could I have done?" His frustration flared, but there was something else behind it—something close to desperation.

She didn't flinch. Instead, she stepped closer, her voice quieter now. "You could've asked for help."

His lips parted slightly, as if the thought had never even occurred to him. Then, just as quickly, he shut down again. He turned away, walking toward the grand staircase. "There was no one to ask," he muttered.

Lyyli let out a frustrated sigh, her eyes narrowing slightly as she shook her head. "You really believe that, don't you?"

Willy didn't respond. He just kept walking, his footsteps echoing in the silence between them.

Her boots clicked softly on the marble floor as she followed him, refusing to let the distance between them grow. The quiet that hung in the air felt thick with things left unsaid, but Lyyli wouldn't let him retreat into it.

They reached what looked like his quarters. The room was vast, a strange and whimsical space—an extension of the factory's signature chocolate-filled dreamland—but right now it felt lifeless, drained of color and warmth, just like him.

He crossed the room to the massive king-sized couch, collapsing onto it with a deep, weary sigh, his arms folding tightly over his chest. Lyyli, unphased, took a seat next to him, her eyes steady and sharp as she fixed her full attention on him.

She didn't say anything at first. She simply watched him, as if waiting for him to crack, to say something—anything—that might break the silence. Willy remained motionless, his gaze distant, his mind a whirlwind of everything he'd been trying to suppress—his pride, his anger, his fear. He had longed for solitude, for an escape from it all. But with Lyyli sitting beside him, the walls he'd so carefully constructed were crumbling, piece by piece.

"You know," she began quietly, her voice cutting through the stillness, "I've known you a long time. I've seen you build amazing things from nothing—things that seemed impossible. You didn't do it by hiding away. You did it by trusting the people who believed in you."

Her words hit him harder than he expected. The sharp sting of her honesty cut through the fog of his isolation, making him flinch. He shifted on the couch, but didn't meet her gaze.

"You think I don't know that?" His voice was low, almost a growl. "You think I don't see what's left of all of that? It's gone, Lyyli. All of it. I trusted the wrong people, and they took everything I had."

"And I'm telling you that you don't have to let this be the end. Not if you don't want it to be."

For a long moment, Willy didn't respond. His heart ached, heavy with the weight of everything he had lost, everything he feared he might still lose. But in Lyyli's steady gaze, in her unwavering presence, he saw a flicker of something—something he had almost forgotten how to hope for.

"I don't know how to start again," he murmured, his voice small now, stripped of the bravado that had once been his armor. "Everything feels… broken."

Lyyli's gaze softened as she turned toward him, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe you don't need to start over here," she said gently. "Maybe you need to go back to where it all began."

Willy frowned, confusion flashing across his face. "What do you mean?"

"You've always been the kind of person who finds inspiration in the world around you," she explained. "You left everything behind to become who you are. What if you did that again?"

For a moment, Willy remained silent, processing her words. The idea seemed almost absurd—why would he leave now, when everything had fallen apart? But there was something about it, something that stirred a faint memory deep within him. The thrill of discovery. The excitement of exploring new places. Back then, when he'd set out to find new flavors, new techniques, the world had felt full of endless possibilities. Maybe that spark was what he needed now.

He stared into the fire, lost in thought, then slowly nodded. "Maybe... that's not a bad idea. A trip. I haven't done that in years."

Lyyli smiled, sensing his mind shifting. "What if you went to somewhere you've never been? Somewhere completely different—somewhere that could help you see things in a new light."

He tilted his head slightly, intrigued by the possibility. His mind began to wander, picturing himself in distant lands. He'd always been fascinated by the exotic. He'd heard stories of Africa's vast, untamed landscapes, of spices and fruits that could inspire the most unique chocolates.

"There are still places I haven't seen," he muttered, more to himself than to Lyyli. "Maybe somewhere in Africa. I've heard they have flavors unlike anything else… maybe that's where I'll find what I need."

Lyyli nodded, her eyes bright with encouragement. "Exactly. The world is full of inspiration, Willy. It's just waiting for you to find it again."

For the first time in days, Willy felt a flicker of excitement. The walls around him, which had seemed so insurmountable, now felt a little less daunting. Perhaps a journey was exactly what he needed.

"You know, I think I could use that," he said, more to himself than anyone else. "A fresh start. A real one. I'll find it out there—new ideas, new inspiration."

Lyyli shifted closer, her fingers gently wrapping around his hand. Willy tensed at first, the touch unexpected, but then he let out a quiet breath and relaxed. It wasn't just anyone—it was her. And with her, he never had to be on guard. "I knew you'd figure it out." she said.

Willy glanced back at her with a faint smile of his own. "Thanks, Lyyli. For reminding me that there's still more to see. More to do."

"Always." She smiled at him, and in that moment, he was reminded of how much he'd missed her presence. But then something struck him.

"Hey! Why don't you come with me?"

Lyyli blinked, clearly surprised by the suggestion. "Come with you?" She paused, her eyes flickering down to her hands, fidgeting nervously. "Oh… I wish I could, believe me." She let out a small sigh and smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "But I actually ran away from my appointments to come see you." She gave him a rueful smile, trying to lighten the weight of her words. "I really wish I could go with you."

For a brief moment, sadness tugged at Willy's chest, but he quickly masked it with understanding. She had a life of her own—one that she couldn't leave behind so easily. After all, she was a star, and her journey was only just beginning.

"I understand," he said, a smile slowly spreading across his face. It felt strange, but in the best way. He hadn't smiled in what felt like forever. "Thank you for coming."

Time slipped away unnoticed. The warmth of the fire, the steady rhythm of their breathing—it all lulled them into a peaceful stillness. Before either of them realized it, sleep had crept in. Lyyli's head found a place on his shoulder, and Willy, too tired to move, let his own eyes drift shut.

When he woke the next morning, he found himself laid on the couch, his head resting on a pillow and someone had covered him with a blanket. The sunlight filtering softly through the windows. But there was something beside him—something that wasn't there before. He reached for it, his fingers brushing against the delicate paper. It was a letter, addressed to him.

His heart tightened as he unfolded it, the familiar script of her handwriting greeting him like a gentle whisper:

Willy,

Go. Don't stop. Keep going, no matter what. Don't let anything hold you back. The world is still out there waiting for you, and you're not alone. I'll always be here, no matter how far you go.

With all my heart,

Lyyli

And as he sat there, reading her letter over and over again, he felt a sense of resolve, a new determination building inside him.

Back in the present, Lyyli sat across from Willy, listening intently as he began to recount the tale of how he discovered Loompa Land, a small, forgotten island lost somewhere in the vast African ocean. His voice grew animated as he spoke, the memories clearly vivid in his mind.

"I never expected to find anything like it," Willy started, his eyes distant as though he was seeing the jungle all over again. "It was an island no one knew about. No maps, no guides. Just a small speck in the middle of the ocean. I had to fight my way through the thickest, most unforgiving jungle I've ever seen. And the creatures... there were these horrible beasts, vicious and relentless."

Lyyli leaned forward, her expression rapt with attention. "Beasts?"

Willy nodded, his brow furrowed as if the memory still carried a weight. "Yeah. Specially the Whangdoodles. They were like nothing I'd ever seen. Giant, fearsome creatures—huge predators lurking in the underbrush."

She gasped, her eyes wide. "That sounds terrifying."

"It was," Willy agreed. He paused for a moment, his gaze drifting off into the distance. "But then, after fighting my way through that jungle, I found them. The Oompa Loompas."

Lyyli sat back, processing the story, the weight of it sinking in. "They were your answer, after all. The missing piece you needed."

He smiled, a faraway look in his eyes. "It's funny how the greatest discoveries don't always happen the way you expect them to."

The rain had finally stopped, leaving behind a cool, tranquil silence. The exhaustion from the long day had begun to settle over them both.

Lyyli stretched, glancing over at Willy. "I think we should get some rest," she said softly, her voice almost like a whisper. "It's been a long day."

Willy nodded, a quiet acceptance in his eyes. He hadn't realized how tired he was until now, when the adrenaline of their conversation began to wear off. "Yeah, you're right. We can't keep going like this."

He walked her to her bedroom door, the soft glow of the hallway light casting a warm halo around them. When they reached the door, Lyyli paused, her hand resting on the doorknob. She turned to face him, their faces just a breath apart.

For a heartbeat, neither of them spoke. Their eyes locked, and they both felt the closeness—like the world had narrowed down to just this moment, just the two of them. A warmth spread across their cheeks, and they could feel it, the gentle blush that rose between them, neither of them quite sure what to do with it.

Finally, Lyyli gave him a soft smile. "Goodnight, Willy," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Willy's heart gave a little lurch, and he nodded, his own smile tentative but real. "Goodnight, Lyyli."

With a final glance, she turned the doorknob and stepped inside, the door softly clicking shut behind her. Willy stood there for a moment longer, his hand still hovering in the space between them, unsure of what to make of the sudden, quiet tension that lingered. But as the silence of the factory settled in once more, he let out a soft breath and made his way back to his own room, the warmth of that fleeting moment keeping him awake a little longer than usual.