I am the path,
I am the goal,
I am the refuge,
The story that unfolds you.

Chapter 8

Charlie left the Inventing Room, his mind buzzing with curiosity. As he walked along the chocolate river, he wondered what was Lyyli like. She must be very nice, since Willy seems to care so much about her. What was their life like in Finland?

He stepped inside and was immediately greeted by the warmth of home—his grandparents in the living room, Grandpa Joe up and about, helping his mother prepare dinner. The scent of hearty stew and fresh bread filled the air, making his stomach growl, but his mind was still elsewhere.

"Where's Mr. Wonka, Charlie?" Grandpa Joe asked, carefully setting the table. "Is he coming for dinner?"

Charlie hesitated for a moment before answering. "I don't think so. I, uh… I think he went to a concert."

The room froze.

Mrs. Bucket nearly dropped the pot she was stirring, gripping the wooden spoon like it might help her balance. Grandpa Joe's hand wobbled, and a plate almost slipped from his fingers.

"Mr. Wonka… went to a concert?" Grandpa George echoed, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

"Are you sure you heard him right?" Mrs. Bucket added. "You know how he is about… well, people."

Charlie nodded. "I know. But he said it himself. Or, well, he didn't really say it—more like, I suggested it, and he didn't completely refuse, which is basically the same thing."

Grandpa Joe chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, I'll be. That man surprises me every day."

Charlie grinned, but his curiosity hadn't been satisfied yet. After dinner, he hurried upstairs to his small room. Sitting at his bed, he powered on his computer and drummed his fingers on the keyboard, trying to recall the name Willy had mentioned.

He had no last name, no exact spelling, just a few scattered details: Willy had called her "Lyyli"—or was it "Lily"? She was from Lapland. And she was a singer.

Opening the search engine, he typed: Lily Lapland salmiakki singer.

A flood of results popped up, most of them unrelated, but one caught his eye. He clicked on it, and his eyes widened as he skimmed through the text.

A brief biography appeared next to a striking photo of a woman standing confidently before a microphone. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing green eyes seemed to captivate the viewer. At the top of the page was her name: Lyyli Rikkunen.

Lyyli Rikkunen is a Finnish metal vocalist from Lapland, renowned for her powerful stage presence and one-of-a-kind voice. She gained prominence in the underground music scene as the composer and lead singer of her symphonic metal band, Stargazers, which she has fronted since its inception. Passionate about fantasy, folklore and poetic storytelling, Lyyli's music is deeply inspired by the landscapes and mythology of her homeland. Fans are drawn to her ability to weave delicate, haunting melodies with raw, emotional energy. An intriguing detail: Lyyli Rikkunen is also the only daughter of Sami Rikkunen, the globally recognized candymaker behind Lapland's famed salmiakki confections.

Charlie's eyes widened. This had to be her.

As he kept reading, he noticed there wasn't much information beyond that. No mentions of a connection to Willy Wonka. Nothing about how they met. No interviews where she spoke about a famous chocolatier from halfway across the world.

Willy had mentioned to Charlie the years they had spent without speaking to each other. It was another piece of the puzzle that made Charlie feel like something about the whole situation was… off.

His gaze lingered on the screen, fixated on the striking image of the singer. Without thinking, Charlie clicked on a link that led him to a video of the band named Stargazers. He slid his headphones over his ears and hit play.

The screen flickered to life, revealing a dark, atmospheric stage. The band was enveloped in a wash of blue and purple lights, their instruments swaying with the rhythm of the pounding music. Lyyli stood center stage, her commanding presence undeniable as she belted out haunting lyrics, her voice effortlessly weaving between delicate, ethereal notes and raw, forceful power. Her eyes were closed, lost in the music, and her tattoos seemed to glow beneath the stage lights. The symphonic metal sound was rich and layered, combining thunderous drums and soaring strings with electrifying guitar riffs, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. Every movement, every note, felt deliberate, as if the entire performance was a journey into some dark, mythical landscape. Charlie watched, utterly captivated, his pulse racing in time with the music.

When the video ended, he sat there for a moment, completely still. Words failed him—he was speechless. The intensity, the power of the performance had left him breathless.

"Wow," the boy thought, a touch of envy creeping in. "Now I'm jealous you get to see this live, Willy."

As Willy guided Lyyli into the Great Glass Elevator, his heart raced with an excitement he hadn't felt in years. The night had been a whirlwind—her performance still echoing in his mind, the way she had captivated the audience, the sheer power in her voice.

"Why did you keep all this a secret?" she asked after a moment, her voice quieter now. "All the weird stuff, the elevator, the factory... all of it."

Willy's eyes sparkled as he turned to look at her. "Because," he said with a grin, "some things are better experienced in person. And I had a feeling you wouldn't believe me if I told you everything in a letter."

Lyyli raised an eyebrow. "You're probably right about that."

After some time, the city lights blurred into a soft glow below them, and the factory slowly emerged in the distance. Even after all these years, Willy couldn't help but marvel at the sight of it—the towering structure, the intricacy of its design, the way it seemed to pulse with life, glowing softly under the night sky. It was his masterpiece.

He glanced over at Lyyli, her eyes wide with awe, her expression mirroring his own excitement. She was captivated by it, just as he had hoped. It was always a sight to behold when someone saw the factory for the first time.

Willy tapped the control panel, slowing the elevator's descent. The anticipation buzzed through him as they neared the factory's edge. The elevator veered left, heading straight toward the enormous chimney-like structure, and he noticed her stiffen slightly, her curiosity turning into cautiousness.

"Wait, we're going in?" Lyyli asked, her voice thick with curiosity and a hint of trepidation as she peered out the window.

Willy let out a chuckle. "Well, of course! Where else would we go? The main entrance is for, you know... golden ticket winners." He shot her a playful wink. "We're heading straight into the heart of the factory."

As the elevator plunged into the pipe, the walls seemed to close in around them, shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow. He stole a glance at Lyyli and noticed the initial tension in her shoulders slowly easing. By the time they emerged from the tunnel, she looked more fascinated than startled.

With a smooth hiss, the elevator came to a stop, and the doors slid open. Willy stepped out first, turning back to watch her reaction. She was still taking everything in, eyes wide with amazement, and he couldn't help but grin.

"Well… that was a ride," she murmured, her voice laced with awe.

"Welcome to the factory!" Willy announced, gesturing to the vast, dimly lit hallway in front of them. Then, with a lighthearted chuckle, he added, "Too bad we got here so late. But don't worry—tomorrow, you'll get the full tour. And trust me, you're going to love it!"

As they made their way down the long corridor, Willy kept an eye on Lyyli, studying her expression. She was quiet, lost in thought, but he knew that was a good sign. The ride in the Great Glass Elevator had done its job—she was intrigued, maybe even enchanted. That spark of curiosity, of adventure, still flickered in her eyes, and that was exactly what he had hoped for.

She hadn't even seen half of it yet.

When they finally reached the door at the end of the hall, Willy stopped, turning to her with a grin. "Here we are!" he announced, before swinging the door open.

Lyyli stepped inside, her breath catching as her eyes swept across the room. Willy watched her closely, studying her reaction. She looked completely mesmerized. This was the room he had designed specifically for her all those years ago, and seeing her here now, in it, was both surreal and satisfying.

His heart gave a small, unexpected flutter when he saw her gaze soften, her smile spreading slowly across her face.

"This is... incredible, Willy. If my room is like this... I can't even imagine what the rest of the factory must look like."

He stood there, feeling a wave of pride flood him. "I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice quieter, almost introspective. "Take your time. Get comfortable. I'll be back at 10 a.m. tomorrow to show you around. And if you need anything before then..." He paused, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "I'll have some Oompa Loompas ready to take care of you."

Lyyli smirked, the playful glint in her eyes matching his. "Oompa Loompas, huh?"

He laughed softly, relishing the familiar sound of her voice. "I'm sure they'll be more than happy to help. Get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be... interesting."

With one last lingering glance at her, Willy slowly closed the door behind him. As soon as he closed it, he stood there, lost in his thoughts, his mind buzzing with an excitement he hadn't felt in years. He couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted.

She's really here.

It was almost surreal. He had imagined this moment so many times, but now that it had happened, he couldn't quite wrap his head around it. He felt everything at once—excitement, nervous energy, something else he couldn't quite name. But above all, he was euphoric.

A wide grin spread across his face as he turned on his heel and strode toward his room-apartment. Charlie. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and quickly typed a message:

Meet me tomorrow at 9:30 sharp. We've got a tour to do. Lyyli is here!

Hitting send, he chuckled to himself. Oh boy, this is going to be fun!

The next morning, Willy woke up earlier than usual, a rare occurrence for him. But today wasn't just any day. He felt a bubbling excitement, even more than when he had first opened his factory to the Golden Ticket winners.

He took extra care in dressing and perfuming himself, making sure he looked his absolute best. His signature maroon velvet coat, crisp and perfect. His black top hat perched neatly atop his head—though, this time, he chose to forgo his usual bobs, letting his hair cascade naturally, free and wild as it had been in those early, carefree years. After all, Lyyli had seemed to like it that way—unbound and untamed.

As he fastened his golden W pin to his collar, a sudden, frantic knocking echoed through the door.

"Willy, it's me, Charlie!" the boy's voice came through, urgent and insistent.

With a curious tilt of his head, Willy strode over and pulled open the door. "Well, well, someone's up early," he mused, arching a brow. "What's all the fuss about, my dear boy?"

Charlie burst into the room, slightly out of breath, his hair still messy from sleep. He had woken up to Willy's text, his mind immediately racing with one thought: WHAT?! Without wasting a second, he had thrown on his clothes and sprinted straight to Willy's quarters.

"What happened yesterday?" he demanded, eyes wide with urgency.

Willy moved his gaze back to the mirror, adjusting his collar one last time before flashing Charlie a grin.

"Well, glad you woke up early," he said cheerfully, as if everything were perfectly normal. "You and I are giving Lyyli a tour around the factory—just like I did with you! He he!"

"That's not what I meant," he pressed. "What happened yesterday? And is she really here?"

Willy rolled his eyes, clearly amused by Charlie's urgency, and began pacing around the room as he spoke.

"Well, let's see… I went to the concert—avoided the crowd, of course," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "Met Lyyli backstage, had a little chat, and then, naturally, I invited her to the factory." He shot Charlie a mischievous grin. "Oh! And we came by the elevator, of course!"

Charlie's eyes widened. "Ok… and what about the tour?"

"Yeah! It had to be today, you see—she's flying back to Finland tonight," Willy explained, grinning as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "So really, this was a brilliant idea, wasn't it?"

"You haven't talked in years, and now she's just… here? Just like that?" He looked around, as if expecting her to suddenly appear. "And where is she, anyway?"

"In her room, of course!" Willy replied, adjusting his hat in the mirror, his tone making it sound like the most obvious thing in the world.

Charlie blinked. "She has a room?"

Lyyli opened her eyes, staring up at the ceiling. For a moment, she lay still, taking in the soft shimmer of the walls as last night's events came rushing back to her. She turned her head, gazing around the breathtaking room, and let out a quiet breath.

"So I wasn't dreaming after all…" she murmured to herself.

Lyyli's eyes fluttered open, her gaze fixed on the ceiling as she slowly emerged from sleep. For a moment, she lay still, letting the soft shimmer of the walls surround her while the memories of last night came rushing back. Turning her head, she took in the breathtaking room once more and exhaled softly.

Still in awe, she pushed the covers aside and got to her feet. There was no time to sit around marveling at the surreal turn her life had taken—Willy had set their meeting for 10 a.m., and she wasn't about to be late.

Stepping into the bathroom, she found it just as extravagant as the rest of the apartment—grand, whimsical, and unlike anything she'd ever seen. But as tempting as it was to explore every detail, she had to be quick. After a refreshing bath, she stood in front of the mirror, debating what to wear. She had tried to pack something more casual for her travels, but in the end, nearly all her clothes carried the same dramatic flair as her stage outfits.

She finally settled on a corset paired with tailored shorts, the ensemble softened by flowing tulle panels that cascaded behind her like the train of a gown. It had the essence of her usual style but felt just right for a day of exploring the factory. She let her hair fall naturally around her shoulders, fastening a few familiar bracelets and pieces of jewelry before applying a light touch of makeup.

With one last glance in the mirror, she took a steadying breath. This was really happening.

Reaching for her phone, she checked her messages. Matti had texted her late in the night, mentioning he was considering changing his flight to an earlier one and asking if she wanted to join him. She replied with a simple no, explaining she had plans for the day and would take a later flight. His response was already waiting for her: "Okay, I'll let Tero know. Take care, sis. See you soon!"

She read it once more before setting her phone aside.

As soon as she finished her makeup, a knock echoed through the room.

"Come in!" she called, expecting to see Willy or maybe even Charlie.

Instead, she heard the faint sound of something being placed on a surface. Curious, she stepped forward, but when she looked around, the room appeared empty—except for a beautifully arranged breakfast tray sitting on a small table near the center of the room.

Her brows furrowed. She hadn't seen or heard anyone enter.

Then, just as she was about to take another step, she felt a light tug at the fabric of her skirt.

She froze.

Slowly, she lowered her gaze—only to find a small man standing at her feet, looking up at her with calm curiosity.

Lyyli let out a startled yelp and jumped back, her heart hammering in her chest.

The little man, unfazed by her reaction, simply blinked at her. He was unlike anything she had ever seen—a real, living person, yet so incredibly small. He had deep bronze skin, sharp, striking facial features, and wild black hair twisted into two upward spikes. His clothes were peculiar—a deep red, patterned vest over a striped long-sleeve shirt, brown trousers, and boots that looked far too sturdy for someone of his size.

Lyyli pressed a hand to her chest, still trying to catch her breath.

The little man tilted his head, studying her as if she were the strange one in the room.

Her mind raced. Who—? What—?

She opened her mouth to say something, but for once, words completely failed her.

Don't be afraid.

A gentle, reassuring voice spoke from behind her.

Lyyli whirled around, her pulse still racing, and found a young boy standing in the doorway.

He looked about twelve, with a slender frame and an honest, open face. His messy brown hair fell slightly over his forehead, and his warm, thoughtful eyes held a kindness that immediately put her at ease. The boy smiled at her, his expression friendly and sincere.

"He didn't mean to scare you," the boy said, nodding toward the little man. "He's just curious."

Lyyli blinked, processing the situation. "Oh, hello. I'm sorry… who are you?" she asked, glancing at the boy before shifting her gaze back to the little man beside her. "And… you?"

"I'm Charlie," the boy said, stepping closer with a friendly smile. "And he's an Oompa Loompa. They work here in the factory."

"Oh… so that's an Oompa Loompa," she said conclusively, finally grasping the mystery.

Charlie nodded, giving a small smile. "Yep. They're all part of the factory. The Oompa Loompas help out with everything—making candy, running the machines, keeping things running smoothly."

The Oompa Loompa, still standing by her skirt, gave a small wave as if to say "hello" in his own way, his large eyes sparkling with a kind of mischief that only added to the surreal charm of the moment.

Lyyli felt a wave of amusement wash over her, though she was still trying to wrap her head around it all. "I see," she said slowly, glancing back at Charlie. "So… this is all real then?"

Charlie chuckled softly. "Definitely."

"Ok… Come, let's talk." She told Charlie as she took a seat at the table, still trying to shake off the shock of everything she'd seen so far. The breakfast in front of her was impressive—much like everything else in the factory—but her thoughts kept drifting to the little Oompa Loompa and the surreal reality of her current situation.

"So, you're Willy's heir, right?" she asked again, her voice soft but filled with curiosity. Charlie nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with a mix of pride and nostalgia.

"Yeah, I guess I am," he answered as he joined her at the table. "I didn't really expect it, but it happened. It's all kind of a whirlwind."

Lyyli smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing a little. She took a sip of her hot cocoa. A warm sweetness spread through her, comforting and rich—just as she expected from her friend's factory. "And what do you think of it so far?"

Charlie leaned back, watching her with a thoughtful expression. "It's hard to describe. The whole factory is like its own world. There's always something new, something unexpected around every corner. When I first saw it, it was like stepping into a dream."

Lyyli nodded, glancing around at the room, her eyes still wide with awe. "I can see that," she said quietly. "And the Oompa Loompas… they really work here?"

Charlie nodded. "Yep. They run pretty much everything in the factory. Willy trusts them more than anyone."

She sipped again her hot cocoa, the warmth grounding her as she took it all in. "It's a lot to process."

"You'll get used to it," Charlie assured her. "And trust me, the tour is just getting started."

They sat in silence for a moment, both immersed in their thoughts, before Charlie leaned forward slightly. "Willy's excited to show you around today. He's been talking about it all morning. And... he really wants to make sure you get to see the best parts."

"I can't wait," she said, her voice tinged with eagerness. Then, leaning in slightly, she added, "So, Charlie… tell me about the other golden ticket winners. What was that day like?"

Charlie let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Oh, that was a long day," he said with a knowing grin.

Willy had asked Charlie to check if Lyyli needed anything, but the boy was taking far too long. With a final glance at his reflection in the mirror, he adjusted his collar, straightened his hat, and strode toward Lyyli's room.

As he reached the doorway, he noticed the door was already open. There, at the breakfast table, sat Lyyli and Charlie, deep in conversation. She was laughing—really laughing—at something Charlie had just said, her eyes bright with amusement.

Charlie noticed Willy standing in the doorway and grinned. "Oh, you're here! Sorry, I was just telling her about the day we toured the factory… and the other golden ticket winners."

Lyyli turned to Willy. "Wait—seriously? You let a kid fall into the chocolate river, and then—Charlie, how did it go again?" Lyyli turned back to the boy, eyes wide with intrigue. "He got sucked into a tube or something?"

Willy huffed, stepping closer in protest. "Excuse me, I didn't let anyone fall! That boy refused to listen, and he toppled in all on his own." He wrinkled his nose at the memory. "Ugh. And later that day I had to stop the entire river flow and sanitize everything. So disgusting, ew!"

"Oh! And the Oompa Loompas sang a song about Augustus," Charlie added with a grin.

Lyyli's brows shot up. She turned back to Charlie, utterly captivated. "They sing? They actually came up with a song while the kid was practically drowning?"

They both nodded without hesitation.

Charlie half-expected her to be shocked, maybe even appalled—most people were when they heard the story. But instead, Lyyli burst into laughter, her amusement ringing through the room.

Willy's eyes lit up at her reaction, a grin stretching across his face. This was delightful.

Charlie watched the two of them, realizing with a small smirk that her sense of humor was uncannily similar to Willy's.

"Well, who knows, maybe they'll sing today, too?" Willy said, grinning. "Not that you're going to fall into the chocolate river, of course, but you really have to watch them sing. They're adorable, aren't they, Charlie?" He turned to the boy. "Hey! That reminds me—how about we start with the Chocolate Room?"

"I think that's great!" Charlie exclaimed.

"I'm with you, guys," Lyyli said, getting to her feet and walking toward Willy. As she brushed past him, the scent of her hair was so mesmerizing that Willy couldn't help but notice.

"Alright, then. Let's go!" he declared, and the three of them made their way down the corridor. They walked side by side until they reached the massive door to the Chocolate Room.

"Why does the hallway seem to shrink as we get closer to the door?" she asked, stepping down beside them.

"To keep all the rich chocolate flavor locked inside!" Willy answered, his grin widening. He slid the key into the lock and, with a twinkle in his eye, turned it, eager to see her reaction—just as he had when he first introduced the golden ticket winners to the room.

As Lyyli steps into the room, her eyes widen in disbelief. Her jaw drops slightly, and she stands frozen for a moment, taking it all in. The sight is even more incredible than she could have imagined—chocolate rivers, candy-covered plants, and towering chocolate waterfalls. She gazes in wonder, her hands moving instinctively to her face, as though to make sure she's not dreaming. The sheer size and scope of it all leave her breathless, and she can't help but smile, her excitement palpable.

"Is this real?" she whispers, almost in awe, as she watches the flowing river of chocolate. Her eyes shift to Willy, a look of pure amazement on her face, as if she's just stumbled into a place too magical to exist in the real world. "It's... it's perfect."

Willy observed her reaction with quiet fascination, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He had witnessed this kind of awe before, but somehow, seeing it reflected in her eyes felt different. Stepping beside her, he gestured toward the room. "Quite the sight, isn't it?" he mused. "This is my Chocolate Room—every bit of it is edible. Well..." He paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose we could technically be edible too, but that would be cannibalism."

Lyyli turned to him, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "Seriously?"

Charlie sighed, rolling his eyes before redirecting the conversation. He pointed toward the flowing river of melted chocolate. "That's the chocolate river. It runs through the whole factory."

Lyyli blinked, still in awe. "That's actual chocolate?"

"The finest," Willy confirmed proudly. "It's mixed and churned constantly to keep it smooth. And see the waterfall?" He pointed toward the cascading chocolate that tumbled down into the river, creating waves of thick, velvety sweetness. "That's what keeps it light and frothy. Without it, the chocolate would be too thick—no good for making bars."

Lyyli stared at the waterfall, mesmerized. "So the waterfall is... like a giant mixer?"

"Precisely!" Willy said, beaming. "And it's the only one of its kind." He twirled his cane dramatically and pointed it toward the Oompa Loompas, who were busy collecting chocolate in buckets and checking the quality of the candy plants. "Everything here has a purpose, including them. They take care of my chocolate, making sure it's perfect before it moves on to the next stage of production."

Lyyli observed the Oompa Loompas with fascination, her eyes shifting between their diligent work and the occasional mischievous glances they cast toward the group, accompanied by quiet chuckles. Her gaze wandered across the vibrant landscape until she spotted something unusual among the candy-covered hills—a small, crooked house, nestled right by the chocolate river. It looked so out of place among the edible grass and candy trees that she stopped in her tracks, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Wait a second," she said, pointing at it. "Is that little house made of... ginger biscuit too?"

Willy, who had been absentmindedly twirling his cane, halted mid-motion. His head snapped toward her, eyes widening as if she had just unveiled the greatest confectionery breakthrough of all time. "Oh… actually, no, but that is a brilliant idea!" he exclaimed, practically bouncing on his heels. "A real, livable gingerbread house! How have I never thought of that before?"

Lyyli let out a laugh, shaking her head. "You can't be serious."

Charlie, who had been listening with amusement, rolled his eyes. "That's my house, actually," he said, hands in his pockets. "I'll go check if my mom's there," he added before making his way down the small hill toward the house.

Willy barely acknowledged him, too preoccupied with watching Lyyli's wide-eyed fascination with the room. He studied the way her gaze flitted across the scenery, taking in every tiny detail, her expression caught somewhere between childlike wonder and disbelief.

Lyyli, meanwhile, was struck by a sudden thought. She turned to Willy, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

"Hey, how did you find the Oompa Loompas?" she asked, tilting her head.

For a moment, Willy simply blinked, as if deciding how much to say. Then, with a smirk, he tapped his cane against the ground and said, "Ah, now that is quite a story."

But before he could continue, a soft murmuring sound filled the air—rhythmic, almost like chanting. The sound grew steadily louder, and Lyyli turned to see the Oompa Loompas stepping closer in perfect synchronization. Their tiny feet moved in unison, their arms swaying to an unseen beat, their mischievous grins widening.

"Look!" Willy whispered excitedly, nudging Lyyli with his elbow. "I told you! I think they want to sing to you."

The murmuring transformed into a lively melody as the Oompa Loompas began to dance, their movements fluid and precise. They stomped lightly on the candy-coated ground, clapped their hands, and spun in playful circles as they formed a semi-circle around the two of them.

Then, in perfect harmony, they burst into song:

Deep in the jungle, far, far away,
Loompaland's where the Oompas would stay.
But danger lurked in every place,
A dreadful, frightful, treacherous space!

Beasts with fangs and monstrous paws,
Chasing us down with their ravenous jaws!
Life was scary, food was rare,
Cocoa beans? Not anywhere!

At the mention of cocoa beans, the Oompa Loompas collectively sighed, shaking their heads as if recalling great suffering.

Then, the music took a triumphant turn, and they leaped into a synchronized hop-step, pointing dramatically at Willy. They spun around him, playfully miming the act of showering him with cocoa beans. He swayed his head in rhythm with the melody, completely captivated by the performance. Meanwhile, Lyyli watched with a wide, delighted grin as the Oompa Loompas danced and sang, their energy infectious.

To his factory, we said 'Let's go!'
Where chocolate rivers freely flow!
A life of joy, no more despair,
With cocoa beans forever there!

The song ended with their voices trailing off in a harmonious hum. The room settled back into its usual lively quiet, the river bubbling and the candy trees swaying gently.

Willy clapped his hands enthusiastically. "Bravo! Well done! Aren't they delightful? Aren't they charming?" He turned to Lyyli, eyes gleaming with expectation.

She was stunned—but then her face lit up with pure excitement. Letting out a delighted gasp, she clapped her hands too, practically bouncing on her feet like an overjoyed child.

"Oh my God, they're so cute!" she squealed. "Willy, make them do it again!"

"All in good time," he replied, a smile playing on his lips as he watched her excitement unfold.

Meanwhile, in the cozy little house, the Buckets sat together in front of their TV, watching the news. The broadcast was filled with alarming reports about a virus that had been rapidly spreading across the globe, its effects potentially lethal. The room grew quiet as the weight of the news settled over them, the sense of unease creeping in as they absorbed the severity of the situation.

"That's terrible," Mrs. Bucket said, her voice tinged with concern as she listened to the news.

"It is, indeed," Grandpa Joe agreed, shaking his head. "I hope it doesn't spread and reach our town." The other grandparents and Mr. Bucket nodded in silent agreement, their faces drawn with worry.

As the tension lingered in the room, the news transitioned to a lighter topic. The local broadcaster began reporting on a concert that had taken place the previous night at the town's theater. "A concert by the band Aqua," the reporter announced, "which brought two special guests from Finland, a highlight that made the night unforgettable. The concert was completely sold out."

The screen switched to footage of the long queue outside the theater, where fans stood excitedly, their anticipation palpable. The reporter began interviewing some of the concertgoers, capturing the excitement of the crowd.

The reporter approached one of the fans in the queue, microphone in hand. "How long have you been standing here waiting?" he asked.

The fan grinned excitedly. "Since this morning!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

The reporter nodded, then asked, "What are you most looking forward to tonight?"

The fan's smile widened even more. "Well, I'm a huge fan of Aqua, of course," she said, "but I came specially to see Matti and Lyyli. I'm a huge fan of their band too!"

The reporter's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Matti and Lyyli, you say? That's a special treat, then!"

As he moved down the line, he interviewed a few more fans. Each one seemed even more excited than the last, and they all had glowing things to say about Lyyli.

"Oh, she's amazing!" one fan gushed. "She's the best singer in the world! She can sing anything!"

Another fan nodded vigorously. "She rocks, man! Her voice and Matti's—they combine so perfectly! And when they're on stage? They own it!"

The scene shifted to a vibrant performance on stage, where the band was in full swing. The camera zoomed in on Matti and Lyyli, their energy contagious as they commanded the stage with their presence. Lyyli's voice soared through the theater, hitting high notes with remarkable precision, her performance full of passion and power. Matti's voice blended perfectly with her vocals, creating an electrifying harmony.

The music was heavier and more intense than the family had expected. But despite the unexpected intensity, they were all thoroughly impressed, especially by Lyyli's commanding presence on stage. Her voice was nothing short of mesmerizing—her high notes ringing clear and strong, and her energy was simply contagious.

"Now, that girl knows how to own it!" Grandpa George exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration.

"She's got an incredible voice!" Grandpa Joe added, nodding along to the rhythm.

Grandma Georgina, who had been watching intently, suddenly piped up with a mischievous grin. "Maybe she can help me get my cat to stop howling at night!"

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Charlie stepped inside. His family quickly turned their attention to him, their faces lighting up with curiosity.

"Sweetie, where have you been? Why did you wake up so early?" Mrs. Bucket asked, walking over to him with a concerned look.

"Sorry," Charlie apologized casually, his voice nonchalant. "I got a text from Willy. He's showing the factory to a friend and asked me to join them." He said it as if it were no big deal, but for the family, it was a huge revelation, considering Willy had always been so reluctant to let anyone into the factory.

The Buckets stared at him, startled. "What do you mean, Charlie?" Mr. Bucket asked, brows furrowing in confusion.

Charlie grinned and gestured toward the window. "She's here. Look! They're outside. I think the Oompa Loompas are singing."

The parents and the grandparents hurried to the windows, peering outside. On the top of the hill, they saw Willy standing beside a woman, both watching as the Oompa Loompas danced and sang around them. The woman immediately caught their attention. She had an exquisite beauty, exuding confidence and grace. Her presence radiated a sense of ease and strength, but there was something about her that felt strikingly familiar. They all exchanged puzzled looks, unable to place where they had seen her before.

Grandma Josephine squinted, leaning closer to the glass. "Wait a minute… is that the girl on the TV?" she asked, her voice laced with realization.

"She's… at the factory?" Mrs. Bucket muttered, still trying to wrap her mind around the coincidence.

Mr. Bucket couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity. "How on earth did she end up with Willy?"

Willy turned his gaze and noticed Charlie's house in the distance. The door was wide open, and he could see the entire Bucket family peeking out from the windows, their eyes fixed on them. He felt a slight flush creeping up his cheeks, but he quickly shook it off, deciding to move forward.

"Come," he said, giving Lyyli a playful grin. "I want you to meet Charlie's family."

As they approached, the family quickly pulled back from the windows, though the curiosity in their eyes was unmistakable. Charlie, who had already spotted them from inside, opened the door just as Willy and Lyyli arrived.

"People, I want you to meet someone." Willy said, his voice full of excitement as he greeted them. "This is Lyyli."

Lyyli stepped forward with a warm, assured smile, giving a small wave. "It's really nice to meet you all," she said, her voice carrying the same inviting charm that had captivated audiences on stage.

Mrs. Bucket was the first to approach, her expression kind as she extended a hand. "Welcome, dear. Charlie mentioned that you're a friend of Willy's?"

Lyyli exchanged a brief glance with Willy before nodding. "That's right. We met some years ago when he was in Lapland, learning from my father."

"Learning what, exactly?" Grandpa Joe asked, intrigued.

"Oh, you know, just a little of this, a little of that." Willy replied with a playful wave of his hand. "Mostly, the secrets behind the North's most exquisite confections." He cast a quick glance at Lyyli, a knowing spark in his eyes.

"And now I'm learning all about that too!" Charlie chimed in.

"Really?" Lyyli turned to him with interest. "So, how do you feel about salmiakki so far?"

Charlie hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Hmm… I'm not sure. It's hard to describe. It tastes like… nothing I've ever had before."

Lyyli leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "You know… I don't actually like salmiakki. And that's probably the most un-Finnish thing I could admit." She laughed.

Willy, who had been listening closely, suddenly froze. "Wait—really?" His eyes widened before he let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness! That means I don't have to fake liking it!"

Lyyli and Charlie both stared at him, momentarily stunned by his confession—then burst into laughter.

"Well, that's… unexpected," Lyyli said, arching an eyebrow at him.

Willy simply shrugged. "What can I say? Some flavors are an acquired taste, and I have absolutely no desire to acquire that one."

Charlie smirked. "And yet, you still make it?"

Willy straightened up, placing a hand over his chest. "Of course! It's part of an agreement we have. And I always keep my promises."

Lyyli chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, at least now you don't have to pretend liking salmiakki anymore."

"Speaking of which," Willy began, tapping his cane against the floor, "we've seen too little and have far too much time!" He started toward the door, then abruptly stopped, spinning back around. "Wait—strike that, reverse it. Anyway! We should get going if we want to see the rest of the factory before time runs out."

Lyyli chuckled and turned to the Buckets. "It was lovely meeting you all," she said warmly, giving them a small wave.

"Likewise, dear!" Grandpa Joe smiled.

With that, they headed for the door. Charlie gave his family a quick nod before following after Willy and Lyyli, eager to continue the tour.

Inside the house, the Buckets exchanged knowing glances as they watched the trio make their way toward the chocolate river.

"Well… isn't she something?" Mrs. Bucket mused, still processing the unexpected visitor.

"What a lovely young lady," Grandma Josephine added with a nod of approval.

"It's nice to see Mr. Wonka reconnecting with an old friend," Grandpa Joe said thoughtfully.

"Oh, please!" Grandpa George scoffed, waving a hand. "Only a fool wouldn't notice there's something going on between those two. And by the way, have you noticed he changed his hair?"

"Pops!" Mr. Bucket shot his father a look, but the older man just smirked knowingly.

Suddenly, the television in the background interrupted with a sudden ding and a serious-looking news anchor appeared on the screen.

"Breaking news: Due to the rapid spread of the newly detected virus, all international and domestic flights have been suspended until further notice. Airports are now officially closed."

The Buckets turned their attention to the TV, their faces growing more tense with every passing moment.

"Oh my..." Mrs. Bucket murmured, her voice filled with disbelief as they watched the news unfold. "I can't believe this is happening!"

"We need to tell them right away," Grandpa George insisted, his brow furrowed. "That girl has a flight tonight... or had?"

Without wasting another second, Mr. Bucket rushed out of the house, determined to find the trio. But when he reached the spot where they'd been, they were nowhere to be seen.

Spotting an Oompa Loompa nearby, he hurried over and called out, "Can you send them a message for me? It's urgent!"

The Oompa Loompa nodded swiftly and disappeared between the candy trees, moving with surprising speed.

Meanwhile, the trio had already boarded the boat and began their journey down the river toward the Inventing Room. The ride was thrilling as always, but for Willy, the most interesting part was watching Lyyli's reaction. Instead of being intimidated by the speed of the boat, she looked just as captivated as Charlie had been the first time he experienced the ride, on the day Willy had shown the golden ticket winners around the factory. She was fearless, her laughter echoing in the air as she soaked in the excitement with a joy that matched his own.

"Here we are!" Willy declared as he stepped out of the boat and extended his hand to Lyyli.

"Can we go again?!" she asked eagerly, her voice full of excitement, as she took his hand.

"Later," Willy said with a grin, "but for now, I need to show you the most important room in the entire factory!"

As the doors to the Inventing Room creaked open, Charlie joined them. The sound of soft giggles from the Oompa Loompas echoed around them as they peered from the shadows, clearly amused.

"What's so funny?" Lyyli asked, raising an eyebrow at the little workers.

"Don't mind them," Charlie said with a chuckle. "They're always like that."

Willy added with a smirk, "I think it's from all those cocoa beans they eat every day." He gestured toward the doors. "Now, come on!"

As they stepped into the Inventing Room, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy. The air was thick with the scent of sugar and chocolate, and the walls were lined with strange machines and shelves of odd ingredients. There were enormous vats, bubbling with colorful liquids, and towering contraptions designed to create the most outlandish, imaginative confections. A candy chandelier dangled overhead, its glow reflecting off the shiny surfaces of metallic equipment and glass beakers.

In one corner, a machine whirred as it produced what appeared to be floating sugar cubes, while another contraption churned out gummy candies that zipped through the air, landing perfectly in containers. On the far side of the room, a large window revealed a large, bubbling pool of liquid chocolate, swirling in patterns that were almost hypnotic.

"This," Willy announced with pride, "is where the real magic happens. The Inventing Room."

Lyyli's eyes widened in awe as she took in the room around her. "This is amazing," she whispered, her voice tinged with wonder.

Willy beamed at her reaction, clearly pleased. "Glad you like it. It's where we make the impossible possible," he said, waving toward the various contraptions.

Charlie, equally impressed by Lyyli's reaction, gestured toward a particularly large, curious tank in the corner of the room. "This is one of the most exciting inventions," he said.

"Ah, the Everlasting Gobstopper," Willy began, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "This is a candy unlike anything else. It's a candy that never loses its flavor. The taste changes with every suck, and it never, ever gets smaller." He winked at Lyyli. "Isn't it neat?"

Lyyli's eyes widened even further as she looked at the tank, her curiosity piqued. "That's... incredible! You mean it lasts forever?" she asked, genuinely amazed by the idea.

"Exactly!" Willy said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "I've been working on this one for years, refining it. And now, we've perfected it." He tapped the side of the tank, and a single gobstopper floated to the surface, glowing brightly.

Charlie grinned. "You should try one. They're really something."

Suddenly, an Oompa Loompa came rushing toward them, breathless and flustered. They all turned, startled by the commotion.

"What is it, buddy?" Willy asked, his tone filled with concern.

The Oompa Loompa began gesturing wildly, urging them to follow him. He led them over to a nearby monitor, his tiny hands quickly pressing buttons on the console. The screen flickered to life, syncing with a live news broadcast.

The trio stood frozen in front of the monitor, their faces tight with concern as the news continued to unfold. The report focused on the spreading lethal virus, and the announcement that all airports had shut down sent a ripple of tension through the air. They watched in stunned silence, each of them processing the gravity of the situation. Willy glanced at Lyyli, his heart sinking as he saw her visibly shaking.

Her entire body stiffened, and the color drained from her face. "No..." she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her breath became shallow as her eyes flicked between the screen and the window, as though she could somehow find a way out.

Willy's gaze softened with concern as he noticed her trembling hands. "Lyyli?" he asked gently, his voice laced with worry.

She took a slow, shaky step back, her breath uneven. "I can't go back..." Her words barely escaped her lips, and her eyes welled with panic. "I can't..."

A wave of overwhelming fear hit her all at once, washing over her like a tidal wave. Her vision blurred, and she felt the ground beneath her unsteady. Her knees buckled, and before anyone could react, she collapsed.

"Whoa! Mrs. Lyyli?!" Charlie exclaimed, rushing closer.

Willy was quick to catch her, his arms instinctively wrapping around her as she went limp in his hold. The air was thick with the weight of the moment as he gently cradled her, trying to calm her, his face etched with deep concern.

Lyyli. Please, wake up...

Lyyli!