Eleanor Pervis and the Three-Course Gainer Gum
Eleanor Pervis had been counting down the days since she'd found that golden ticket gleaming beneath the wrapper of a Wonka Bar. At 23, the former high school weightlifting champion still lived for the rush of competition—and the promise of Ms. Wonka's legendary factory tour was the ultimate prize.
The Inventing Room gleamed with impossible machinery and bubbling vats of experimental confections. Ms. Wonka—tall, eccentric, with wild curls barely contained beneath her purple top hat—gestured dramatically toward a small piece of gum resting on a silver pedestal.
"My latest masterpiece!" she announced. "Three-Course Gainer Gum! Tomato soup for strength, roast beef for power, and blueberry pie for peak performance. Each course scientifically formulated to build muscle mass, specifically targeting the biceps and arms. Perfect for athletes!"
Eleanor's eyes lit up. This was exactly what she'd been looking for—a edge to help her return to competitive form.
"Ms. Wonka, I wouldn't—" one of the Oompa-Loompas began, but Eleanor had already snatched the gum and popped it in her mouth.
The tomato soup was delicious, warm and savory. The roast beef course made her flex instinctively, feeling a pleasant pump in her shoulders. Then came the blueberry pie.
"Oh, this is incredible!" Eleanor said, chewing enthusiastically. Then she noticed her arms. "Whoa, is this supposed to happen?"
Her biceps were swelling, growing larger and rounder, filling out the sleeves of her jacket. But they weren't just getting muscular—they were turning a deep shade of blue.
Message too long. Click
here
to view full text.