Until my last breath

6

May 2022
Barcelona, Spain

The sun spills golden light through the large windows of my trophy room, illuminating the gleaming surface of my latest achievement. I step back to admire the shining trophy that marks my victory at the Spanish Grand Prix.
My heart is still racing from victory just a week ago. A proud symbol of my success, which only makes me crave more. I can't help but smile as I place it carefully on the shelf, right next to the others—my achievements piling up like layers of hope. Yet, a familiar weight presses down on my chest, the longing for the presence of my family, witnessing these milestones with me.

Maverick, my brown beagle , bounds into the room, tail wagging enthusiastically as he sniffs around the base of the trophy case. Oblivious to my internal turmoil, he brings a smile to my face. "But at least I've got you. right Mav?" I say, scratching behind his ears. He responds with a happy bark, urging me to play.

"Alright, alright," I concede, grabbing a ball from a nearby shelf. I toss it across the room, watching as Maverick races after it with unbridled joy. For a moment, the weight of the world lifts, and I get lost in the simple pleasure of watching him fetch. It's a distraction, a way to avoid confronting the lingering sadness that creeps in during the quiet moments.

Suddenly, my phone rings, interrupting the bliss. I glance at the screen to see Charles's name flashing. "Just what I need," I mutter, rolling my eyes playfully before answering. "Bonjour Char."

"bonjour , etoile! Heard you've been busy winning trophies,"  Charles's voice booms through the speaker, teasing and lighthearted, just like him.

"Just trying to keep up with my favorite driver," I shoot back, my smile widening. "What's going on? Still running circles around the rest of the grid?"

"Only on the track, ree. But enough about my racing prowess. I need you to pack your bags."

"Pack my bags? For what? You know I can't just get up and leave my trophy room. These babies need my attention," I joke, glancing at the trophies glimmering under the sun.

He laughs, the sound warm and infectious. " I'm organizing a little getaway with Alex, Pierre, and Kika, and we want you to join us. We're heading to Mykonos. Sun, sea, and maybe some racing stories under the stars."

"be real. I can't just ditch my responsibilities for a trip," I tease, though the thought of escaping to a sunny paradise makes my heart flutter. "What am I? I have practice Charles."

"You're a champion, and champions deserve a break! Plus, Mav needs a holiday too."

I glance down at Maverick, who's happily chewing on his ball, completely oblivious to the conversation. "I don't know, Charles. You know how I feel about leaving."

"Rita, I promise you'll have a good time. Besides, you can't let me show up with the others and have all the fun without you. You'd never hear the end of it."

"Fine," I sigh dramatically, rolling my eyes even though he can't see me. "But if I come, you have to promise to let me drive the boat."

"Fine, I'll send you the details. Just try to be on time for once," he adds, a playful lilt in his voice.

"oh fuck off I'm never late!" I exclaim, fighting back a laugh.

"Right, and I'm a two-time F1 champion who just happens to be a little underwhelming," he quips. "Get packing, Bianchi. I'll see you soon."

We hang up, and I can't help but feel a rush of excitement mixed with anticipation. Maybe a getaway is just what I need to shake off the weight of recent days. As I glance at Maverick, who is now sprawled on the floor, I can't help but smile.

"Looks like we're going to Greece, Mav."