CHAPTER 18 || Autumn

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It is peaceful in the F1 house. Mark Webber, who arrived with his son and friend last night, is still sleeping. Mick and Nikita sit on the floor playing UNO with Webber Jr. while Seb's eldest sleeps leaning against Mark's son. Seb and Kimi make breakfast while Jenson and Romain pick up Nico Rosberg from the airport. Daniil is in the garden looking for firewood for Halloween.

The rest of the drivers are on their way to Austin. The happiest is probably Danny, who can drive the bolides painlessly with slightly different tablets that he got from the team doctor.

"Breakfast is ready!" Seb calls into the living room and the young men run into the kitchen. With so few people, they don't eat in the dining room but in the kitchen.

"Wake up Passi!" Stoffel shakes the German's shoulder. The latter only grumbles and does not want to open his eyes. "Come on, there's food. Nom nom!" Stoffel tries again and Pascal actually gets up with a sigh.

Sebastian, meanwhile, has gone upstairs and woken Mark. Daniil has also come into the kitchen where Romain, Jenson and Nico are already sitting and drinking coffee.

With a small smile, Nico greets the others and then finishes his cup. During breakfast, the former drivers have a laughing chat while Kita, Mick, Stoffel and Pascal have a separate conversation.

"What are we doing today?" Mick asks the group and Nikita suggests, "What if we decorate the house in autumn. It still looks totally dreary here." The four of them look at each other enthusiastically and start planning.

"Dad-" "Papa-" "Isä-" "Папа-" They say at the same time and Seb, Mark, Kimi and Daniil look at them questioningly. "We wanna decorate the house!" Stoffel grins happily. The older ones think about it for a minute but give the kids the permission to do it.

After breakfast, they start right away and first get all the decorations out of the cellar. That's where they are stored.

Mick and Nikita rush around the living room, draping colorful garlands across the mantelpiece. Their laughter echoes through the cozy house as they carefully arrange the vibrant autumn leaves and rustic pumpkins on the shelves. Together, they share a playful banter, teasing each other about the best way to position the seasonal decorations.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Stoffel and Pascal are busy crafting a homemade wreath adorned with dried flowers and delicate twigs. They work in sync, their hands deftly weaving the natural elements into a stunning masterpiece. Stoffel hums a cheerful tune while Pascal jokingly critiques their wreath-making technique, eliciting a good-natured chuckle from his partner.

As the midday sun filters through the windows, Mick and Nikita move outside, carrying baskets filled with freshly fallen leaves. With mischievous grins, they engage in a playful leaf-fight, tossing colorful foliage into the air. Giggles and the sound of rustling leaves fill the air, creating a joyful symphony of autumnal merriment.

Inside, Stoffel and Pascal join forces to prepare a warm apple cider, infusing the kitchen with the rich aroma of cinnamon and cloves. Stoffel skillfully slices ripe apples, while Pascal stirs the simmering brew, occasionally stealing a playful sip and playfully winking at his partner. The comforting scent of the cider fills the house, inviting a cozy ambiance that complements the seasonal decor.

With the afternoon sun, Mick and Nikita carefully arrange a row of flickering candles along the windowsills, casting a warm glow over the room. They share a tender moment, admiring their handiwork and basking in the romantic ambiance they've created together. Nikita playfully brushes a stray leaf from Mick's hair, and they share a soft, affectionate glance, reveling in the beauty of the autumn afternoon.

In the kitchen, Stoffel and Pascal place the steaming mugs of apple cider on a tray, garnishing them with a sprinkle of nutmeg. They carry the tray into the living room, where Mick and Nikita eagerly await, their eyes sparkling with excitement. The four friends gather around the crackling fireplace, savoring the comforting warmth and the aromatic flavors of the cider.

Sebastian, meanwhile, has gone outside. He strolls through the sun, which looks so warm, his collar turned up, his hands in his pockets. He enjoys the silence and walks with a smile to a small bridge. He is often there.

When he doesn't call for a while and doesn't come back either, Kimi and Mark set off to look for the German. He should have been back over two hours ago.

As they walk silently to the bridge, they see Seb standing there. A man approaches him. The two start talking.

Suddenly the unknown man grabs Seb's arm and shakes him slightly. Mark and Kimi look at each other briefly and quicken their pace. The man grabs Seb roughly by the shoulder and Mark opens his eyes while Kimi panics.

"Watch out Sebastian!" Mark yells fearfully but it is too late. Kimi sprints off but can't catch Seb. The man has thrown Seb over the railing into the stony river.

Kimi jumps straight after him while Mark stands there in shocked disbelief. He doesn't notice a tear running down his cheek. He only hears Seb's scream, Kimi's panicked "Kulta!" And sees the lifeless body of his former team mate floating in the water as it turns red.

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Next one :)

Im sorry? How will Charles react when he receives the news? Or Max?

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