Left Behind

Wake up

Throughout the day, Max tried to brush off the revelation about Charles, attempting to maintain a sense of normalcy. However, a subtle unease lingered beneath the surface, casting a shadow on his usual cheerful demeanor. Kelly, attuned to Max's moods, couldn't help but notice the difference in his energy.

As they explored the town, visited local shops, and meandered through snow-covered streets, Max's mind seemed preoccupied. His usual enthusiasm for their winter retreat had been replaced by a subdued presence, and Kelly couldn't ignore the shift in his mood.

During a momentary pause in their day, Kelly gently touched Max's arm and asked, "Is everything okay, Max? You seem a bit off since we talked about Charles."

Max, attempting to downplay his feelings, forced a smile. "Yeah, yeah, I'm good. It's just a bit surprising, you know? Small world and all that."

Kelly studied his face, sensing there was more beneath the surface. "You sure about that? If something's bothering you, we can talk about it."

Max sighed, realizing he couldn't mask his true emotions from Kelly. "It's just... weird, you know? Having someone from the racing world right next door, especially someone like Charles. I never expected that."

Well that's not a complete lie. But it's definitely far from the truth.

Kelly nodded understandingly. "I get it. It's an adjustment. But maybe it's an opportunity for you two to have a different kind of connection outside the racing scene."

Max considered her words, the internal conflict evident on his face. "Yeah, you're right. It's just unexpected, that's all. Let's see how it goes."

Throughout the day, Kelly remained a comforting presence, supporting Max as he navigated the new dynamics brought about by their mysterious neighbor. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the snow-covered landscape, Max and Kelly returned to their cottage. The flickering light from the fireplace illuminated their cozy haven, providing a moment of solace in the midst of the winter retreat's unexpected twists.

______________

Under the quiet blanket of the Swiss night, Max found himself unable to shake the thoughts about Charles. The unexpected revelation about the man who left so long ago lingered in his mind, and a restless curiosity tugged at him.

As he and Kelly prepared for bed, Max felt an inexplicable urge to learn more about the person who had chosen this small town for refuge. "I just want to check something outside. I'll be back in a minute," Max said to Kelly, offering a vague excuse for his restlessness.

Stepping into the cold night air, Max made his way toward Charles' cottage. The snow crunched softly beneath his steps, and the hushed stillness of the town added an air of secrecy to his clandestine mission. Max hesitated for a moment before deciding to knock on Charles' door, his curiosity overpowering any sense of intrusion.

He rapped gently on the door, the sound echoing in the quiet street. Minutes passed, but there was no response. Max, undeterred, decided to wait. The chill of the winter night embraced him as he sat on the doorstep of Charles' cottage, the dim light from the lamppost casting shadows on the snow.

Time seemed to stretch as Max sat in contemplation, pondering the complexities of their unexpected neighborly connection. The stillness of the night accentuated the solitude, and Max couldn't help but wonder about the reasons that had brought Charles to this tranquil haven.

As he sat there, the cold seeping through his clothes, Max questioned the decision to seek answers in the quiet hours of the night. The small town held its secrets, and Charles, elusive and enigmatic, remained a mystery beyond the confines of his closed door.

Whether Charles would emerge from his cottage to share his story or continue to keep his reasons shrouded in silence remained uncertain. In the quiet solitude of the snowy night, Max waited, caught between curiosity and a growing realization that some secrets were best left undisturbed.

______________

Charles worked late into the night at the local bakery, the warmth of the ovens and the scent of freshly baked goods creating a cocoon of comfort. The small space hummed with the familiar rhythm of his skilled hands shaping dough and the gentle whir of machinery preparing for the next day.

As he meticulously arranged pastries, ensuring each one was a work of art, Charles found solace in the quiet routine of the bakery. The simple act of creating something beautiful and delicious offered a temporary escape from the complexities of the world outside.

The town slept under the winter night, and Charles, with flour-dusted hands, bid the bakery goodnight. The chilly air greeted him as he stepped outside, and the hushed serenity of the night enveloped him like a familiar embrace.

Walking through the deserted streets, Charles marveled at the snow-covered landscape under the moonlit sky. The quietude allowed him to reflect, offering moments of clarity that were often elusive in the hustle and bustle of the racing world.

Reaching his cottage on the outskirts of the town, Charles paused to take in the tranquil surroundings. The soft glow of lampposts cast a gentle light on the snowy path, creating a serene pathway to his temporary abode.

With a contented sigh, Charles embraced the simplicity of the night. The snow, like a silent witness, crunched beneath his boots as he strolled toward his cottage. The small town, with its understated beauty, had become a haven where he could find respite from the demands of his racing career.

As he approached the cottage door, an odd silhouette caught his eye – someone sitting in front of his door. Caution flickered in his thoughts; he wasn't accustomed to unexpected visitors, especially in the middle of the night.

Drawing nearer, Charles discerned the features of the figure. It was Max, seated on the doorstep, bundled up against the cold. The realization that Max was asleep and exposed to the freezing night air sent a pang of concern through Charles.

For fuck's sake.

"Max?" Charles called out softly, not wanting to startle him. The winter night seemed to amplify the quietness of the scene, and Charles knelt beside Max to gently shake him awake.

"Hey, Max. Wake up," Charles urged, his voice a gentle whisper. Max stirred, gradually opening his eyes, and confusion clouded his expression as he registered the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Wha—?" Max began, but the chill in the air interrupted his words. Charles, noticing Max's shivering, instinctively removed his own jacket and draped it over Max's shoulders.

"You're freezing. What are you doing out here?" Charles asked, genuine concern etched on his face.

Max, still disoriented, managed to mumble, "I... I wanted to talk. But I must've dozed off."

Charles sighed, a mixture of amusement and concern. "Well, you can't do it out here in the cold. Come on, let's get you inside."

With a helping hand, Charles assisted Max to his feet. As they entered the warmth of Charles' cottage, the unexpected encounter took on a surreal quality, bridging the gap between the world of racing and the intimacy of a small Swiss town. The night, which had started with curiosity and mystery, now unfolded with an unforeseen connection between two individuals seeking solace in the quietude of the winter retreat.

1183 words.

-They finally saw each other again😩​-