Left Behind

Testing

A few days later, as the sun began to rise on the morning of the test day, Charles felt a knot of nerves twisting in his stomach. He had accepted the invitation to test the F1 car, but now that the moment was here, he couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension.

Max, ever the supportive friend, was there by his side, offering words of encouragement as they made their way to the track. "You've got this, Charles," Max said, his voice filled with confidence. "You're going to show them all what you're made of out there."

But despite Max's reassurances, Charles couldn't shake the feeling of doubt gnawing at him. "I don't know, Max," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's been so long since I've been behind the wheel of an F1 car. What if I've lost my touch?"

Max reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Charles' shoulder. "You haven't lost anything, Charles," he said firmly. "You're still the same talented driver you've always been. Just take it one step at a time, and you'll do great out there."

As they arrived at the track, Charles couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. The familiar sights and sounds of the racetrack filled him with a sense of excitement, despite the nerves that still lingered.

With Max's help, Charles carefully unloaded his wheelchair from the car and began the process of transferring Max into it. It was a routine they had perfected over the past few days, but today, it felt different somehow. Today, there was an added sense of purpose and determination in the air.

Once Max was settled into his wheelchair, Charles took a moment to collect himself before heading to the garage. He knew that all eyes would be on him today, and he was determined to prove to himself and to everyone else that he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level.

As he made his way to the garage, Charles couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards Max. Despite everything he had been through, Max had been there for him every step of the way, offering unwavering support and encouragement when he needed it most.

With Max by his side, Charles felt ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. Whatever the outcome of today's test, he knew that he had a friend in his corner who believed in him more than anyone else. And for that, he was truly grateful.

_____________

As Charles entered the bustling garage, the atmosphere crackled with anticipation, a potent blend of excitement and nerves coursing through his veins. The familiar scent of fuel and rubber enveloped him, a comforting reminder of the world he was about to re-enter. Max, by his side in his wheelchair, exuded an air of quiet confidence, his presence a source of both reassurance and inner turmoil for Charles.

"Hey, Charles, how are you feeling?" Max's voice was soft, his eyes betraying his own swirling emotions.

Charles offered a tight-lipped smile, his gaze flickering across the bustling garage. "Nervous, to be honest. It's been a while since I've been behind the wheel of an F1 car."

Max nodded understandingly, his expression sympathetic. "I get it, mate. But you've got this. Just trust yourself and the car."

Their conversation was interrupted by the approach of Christian Horner, his presence commanding attention as he strode purposefully toward them. His gaze swept over Charles, assessing and appraising, before settling on a reassuring smile.

"Charles, good to see you," Christian greeted warmly. "Ready to give it your all out there?"

"I'll certainly do my best," Charles replied, his voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in his stomach.