golden | d.ricciardo

twenty-seven

XXVII. From Lara

BELGIUM: July 2023

RACE DAY: After what happened to Scarlet, Clara was on a leash with Christian, always reporting to him. It was unbearable, watching Daniel and not being able to talk to him. Even with Max, she had made a mistake and she knew she would pay for it. She already knew.

Daniel was conflicted, he felt guilty for what happened to Scarlet. She was a nice girl and she did not deserve what happened. Despite the model reassuring him it's okay, he didn't believe it. So, despite wanting to talk to Clara, he put his attention to Scarlet. She was a great friend. But deep down, he missed Clara. And everyone saw that.

The team saw how much Daniel tried to reach her but Christian would always be there to stop him or pull her away. He was starting to put pieces together but he knew he had to focus on today's sprint race. It was important for the team so he was getting in the zone.

He was about to exit his driver's room when he saw it, the tiny folded note on his table. Grabbing it, his heart raced. Placing it inside his driver's suit and inside his fireproof by his wrist, he ran to the garage where he knew the rest of the team was waiting.

It was raining, everyone was tense, not wanting anything bad to happen. Clara stood next to Christian. But unlike the others, she was not feeling anything. She was numb.

She watched as the lights went out and they were off. She had her headphones on and she watched the screen, keeping her eyes on the two Redbull cars.

As the race was happening, he listened to the radio. Max was arguing with the rain so she switched to Daniel. She wished she didn't.

"Is she there?" Daniel asked. "Scarlet? She's here-" "No. No. Uh- nevermind." he whispered and the radio stopped.

The mechanics looked at Clara and she gulped, looking at the ground. Christian placed a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and he glanced at her, shaking his head. And that was it, she was a goner.

After the race, it wasn't an ideal result for the team. Max landing at 4th and Daniel at 6th and that was it for Christian. With a single look towards Clara she sighed. Lowering her head she nodded and pulled off her headsets and walked away. The team watching her, saddened that it had to end this way.

To Danny,

I'm sorry. I know I've been saying that so many times but I really can't seem to keep it. I understand if you want to go, because I know how much I hurt you. I know it's confusing but one day you will understand. I can only hope the best for you. See you.

-Love, Lara