Start Small, End Big.

Be Real

Liam sits at his desk, browsing the upcoming races near him on his laptop. Even though he just attended one, he's already eager for the next. As he scrolls through the schedule, his mom gently knocks on the doorway.

Ava: Liam, what are you doing? It's late. You have work tomorrow—you need to sleep, chérie.

Liam: I know, je suis désolé (I'm sorry). Just give me a minute, okay?

Ava steps closer, curious. When she glances at his screen, her expression shifts to visible frustration.

Ava: Allez (Come on)! Why are you looking at more races, fils (son)?

Liam: Quoi (What)?! I just want to see the upcoming ones.

Ava: Non, non, non (No, no, no). You can't sacrifice your sleep and responsibilities for this obsession, Liam. You're older now—you're no longer an enfant (child). You have to focus on your future and start looking for a real career, mon fils (my son).

Liam sighs, visibly annoyed. Her lectures on this topic are becoming tiresome.

Liam: Je sais, je sais (I know, I know). It's not an obsession, though, Mom. It's my dream. I'll do whatever I can to accomplish it, maman (Mom).

Ava: But what if it doesn't work? Alors quoi (Then what)?

Liam closes his laptop and looks at her seriously.

Liam: What? Do you not believe in me or something?

Ava sighs, rubbing her temples.

Ava: Ne dis pas ça (Don't say that)! It's not about not believing in you, Liam. I just want what's best for you. I want you to have an amazing future. Racing is too risky—it's not set in stone.

Liam: I know, Mom. But please, be there for me. I know what I want is unrealistic for most people, but I feel like I can do it. Je peux réussir (I can succeed). I have to chase it. Grand-père always said the only obstacle to achieving your goals is you. If I quit now, I'll never succeed. Watching races helps me learn, maman. I know you worry, but try to understand.

Ava hesitates before offering a small smile.

Ava: Okay, amour (love). I'll hear you out. But please, pour moi (for me), explore some other options too, okay? Now, go to sleep. You need your rest.

She kisses Liam's forehead.

Liam: I will, maman. Bonne nuit (Good night).

Ava: Good night. Je t'aime (I love you).

Liam: Love you too.

Ava walks out and slides the door shut behind her. Liam closes his laptop and moves to shut his window. As he does, he notices a sports car speeding down a nearby road. He smiles and mutters to himself.

Liam: Sympa (Nice) Supra.

The Supra downshifts as it approaches a stop sign, its turbo fluttering and releasing a single pop with a small flame.

Liam: Cool backfire.

He watches as the Supra turns and accelerates, its engine roaring and fluttering with each gear shift before disappearing into the distance. Liam thinks about the car scene in Montreal. He's heard it's pretty active, especially on the roads near Mount Royal. He'd love to check out a car meet one day. While he's not a fan of street racing, preferring circuit racing, he respects the culture. Still, the thought of getting caught and having his Veloster N impounded keeps him away. He smiles to himself as he presses a button to lower his blinds, dimming the room. Liam takes off his shirt, revealing a surprisingly toned physique—not overly muscular, but fit. He snuggles into bed, staring at the ceiling. For the first time, he seriously considers exploring the street scene. But he knows he can't just wander out at night looking for racers; he has work, and his boss wouldn't appreciate him showing up tired. Still, he loves his job at the car wash. Seeing a variety of cars—Miatas, Mustangs, WRXs, and more—makes every day exciting for a car enthusiast. Before he knows it, he drifts off to sleep, dreaming about cars and races. He has no idea that tomorrow will change everything—a day that will set him on the path to becoming not just one of the best racers in the world, but also a legendary street racer.

*****

Meanwhile, in a quieter part of Montreal...

A girl sits in her room, surrounded by posters of iconic cars—Mustangs, Lancer Evos, BMWs, and more. She scrolls through car TikToks on her phone, smiling at the content. A voice calls out from another room.

Distant Voice: Hey, Hope! Don't forget to get your car washed tomorrow! I still have that coupon! Anyway, I'm heading to bed. See you tomorrow, honey!

Hope: Night, Dad!

A door closes in the distance. Hope continues scrolling, the glow of her phone illuminating her face. The camera pans out through her window, revealing a modest home with two nice cars parked outside—a Honda Civic Type R and a Kia Stinger GT. The moon emerges from behind a cloud, casting its light on the quiet neighborhood.