After the energetic birthday celebration, all the kids were thoroughly tuckered out and had drifted into deep naps in their rooms. It was still afternoon, and I wanted to seize the opportunity to open my presents.

I turned on the TV, and to my surprise, I heard breaking news. This time, I felt grateful because the attitude of the next winner didn't sound appropriate for the little ones to hear.

The reporter announced, "This is just in. The fourth golden ticket has been found by a boy called Mike Teavee."

Then there were gunshots, which were most likely from a video game he was playing at the time. That kid appeared to be focused on his game, and he explained how he got the ticket in a "smart" way.

"All you had to do was track the manufacturing dates, offset by weather and the Nikkei Index derivative; an idiot could figure it out," he said flatly.

"Most of the time, I don't know what he's talking about. Kids these days with all the technology..." The father looked at his son.

"Die! Die! Die!" the boy shouted at his game.

"It doesn't seem like they stay kids very long," he sighed instead.

As he continued to shoot at his opponents, the guns in his game continued to fire. It lasted until he lost, grunting as he set the controller down.

"In the end, I only had to buy one candy bar," he said, looking at the reporters.

"And how did it taste?" one of them asked the boy.

"I don't know. I hate chocolate," he admitted.

I couldn't help but feel that Mike Teavee didn't truly deserve the golden ticket, but I suppose it was just the way things unfolded. I switched off the TV when the reporter began discussing the search for the last golden ticket.

Robert entered the living room, taking a seat beside me while holding a wad of money. He leaned in and said, "(Y/N)? You are going to have one more fling at finding that last ticket. Here's my money." He pressed the dollars into my hands, sealing it with a reassuring gesture.

I hesitated, a mix of gratitude and concern. "Are you certain you want me to spend your money on a chocolate bar, Robert? I don't want to force you, but..."

"Nonsense!" Robert interjected with a confident tone. "I have a strong feeling you'll get that ticket. Just head down to the nearest store, pick up the first Wonka candy bar you lay your eyes on, and come right back. We'll open it together." He fixed me with a determined gaze, his trust unwavering.

Taking Robert's advice to heart, I ventured outside, my scarf keeping me warm as I scoured the local stores. After a few minutes of searching, I rushed back to the orphanage with a Wonka bar in hand.

"Have you got it?" Robert inquired eagerly. He had been waiting for my return in the living room. I took a seat on the couch and placed the bar in the center of the table.

Moments passed, and there we were, just the two of us with an appetizing Wonka bar before us. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation.

Robert broke the silence as he held the bar. "Which end should we open first?"

"Just rip it off like a Band-Aid!" I urged him. He complied, opening the bar, and to our dismay, there was no golden ticket to be found.

"That's alright. Let's enjoy this chocolate bar together." I sighed, preparing to break it into pieces to share. However, Robert stopped me and insisted that I deserved the entire bar.

"You need to stop thinking that you have to help everyone all the time. There are moments when others can handle things on their own. You deserve a little something for yourself. So, take it easy, okay?" Robert wisely advised.

I had no choice but to agree. Sometimes, I got so caught up in helping others that I forgot to consider my own needs. I realized I needed to start prioritizing myself before I could be of help to anyone else without overburdening myself.

🍫🍫🍫

The factory remained shrouded in secrecy, leaving me with many questions. Who were the workers? Why did Mr. Wonka keep himself hidden from the public? Did those persistent thieves still pose a threat? Only time will provide the answers.

I couldn't help but express my longing, whispering to myself, "If only... My wish could come true today, I just know it." However, my hopes were dashed when I overheard a conversation between two adults nearby.

"Did you see that some kid in Russia found the last golden ticket?" one adult asked his friend.

"Yes, it was in the paper this morning," the other replied.

Suddenly, I felt disappointed. My chances of obtaining a golden ticket were lost, and I realized I might never have the chance to meet Mr. Wonka after all.

With a lingering sense of sadness, I trudged back to the orphanage, my hands tucked in my pockets. But then something caught my eye—an item that seemed out of place.

Brushing off a bit of snow, I held a banknote. Turning it over, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a 10-dollar bill!

It seemed like luck was on my side today! I couldn't help but break into a wide grin, and with newfound excitement, I decided to visit the same candy shop I had been to the day before.

"One Wonka Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delight, please," I told the shopkeeper. I gave him the money.

He then gave me the Wonka bar. "Okay, here you go."

"The audacity of some people!" a woman nearby exclaimed.

"I know. Forging a ticket. It's outrageous," the shopkeeper agreed.

My heart raced at their words. If someone had forged a ticket, that meant the real golden ticket was still out there, waiting to be found. Perhaps this might be my chance after all.

With bated breath, I closed my eyes and slowly unwrapped the chocolate bar. When I opened my eyes, a gasp escaped my lips as I beheld the shiny, golden paper inside. I carefully placed the bar on the counter and held up the ticket for all to see.

"It's a golden ticket. You found Wonka's last golden ticket! In my shop too!" the shopkeeper exclaimed with boundless joy.

A small crowd gathered around the candy shop, their eyes filled with amazement as they witnessed the discovery of the last golden ticket. This was all because of this extraordinary twist of fate.

Some were asking to buy the golden ticket from me, but I absolutely didn't allow it. The shopkeeper told me to run straight home and tell it to anyone I trusted.

"Thank you, sir!" I grabbed the chocolate bar and went out of the candy store. As I ran as fast as I could, I held on tight to the golden ticket and the Wonka bar.

🍫🍫🍫

As we ate dinner, I cleared my throat to share the incredible news. "Today, I found the golden ticket!" With excitement and pride, I unveiled the golden ticket for all to see.

A chorus of cheers erupted from the other children, their faces radiating happiness. Some of them even began chanting my name. Miss Mitchell rose from her seat and beckoned for silence.

"Read it aloud. Let's hear exactly what it says," she encouraged, gesturing for me to read the contents of the golden ticket.

"Greetings to you, the lucky finder of this golden ticket from Mr. Willy Wonka. I shake you warmly by the hand. For now, I invite you to come to my factory and be my guest for one whole day. I, Willy Wonka, will conduct you around the factory myself, showing you everything there is to see. Afterwards, when it is time to leave, you will be escorted home by a procession of large trucks, each one filled with all the chocolate you could ever eat. And remember, one of your lucky five children will receive an extra prize beyond your wildest imagination."

Taking a deep breath, I began reading again. "Now, here are your instructions. On the 1st of February, you must come to the factory gates at 10 a.m. sharp. You're allowed to bring one member of your family to look after you. Until then, Willy Wonka."

"The 1st of February!" Denise exclaimed. "But that's tomorrow!"

"Then there's not a moment to lose. (Y/N), I'm coming with you tomorrow. Would that be okay for you?" Miss Mitchell looked at me.

I can't miss this opportunity. If this is a chance in a lifetime, then I'll treasure it as a memory.

I couldn't let this opportunity slip away. It was a chance of a lifetime, and I was determined to treasure it more than a memory. "Of course, Miss Mitchell!" I happily accepted.

"Now, finish your dinner and then rest up for tomorrow. You've got a factory to go to!" Miss Mitchell declared.