Start Small, End Big.

How Could You?

Liam quietly sneaks through the front door of his house, trying not to make a sound, suspecting his parents are already asleep. As he tiptoes toward his room, his mother's voice cuts through the silence, causing him to freeze in his tracks.

Ava: Liam, est-ce que c'est toi? (Liam, is that you?)

Liam hesitates, his mind racing. He nervously responds.

Liam: Uh, oui, maman. (Yes, Mom.) It's just me.

Ava steps into the doorway from the kitchen, her expression a mix of worry and anger.

Ava: Où étais-tu?! (Where were you?!) It's past midnight!

Before Liam can respond, his father, William, appears from the hallway, his arms crossed and his face stern. His disappointment is palpable as he speaks.

William: We know you weren't out for a walk, Liam. Don't lie to your mother. You don't even take walks.

The atmosphere grows tense, and Liam fidgets under their scrutinizing gazes. He stammers, trying to explain himself.

Liam: I... I just watched a street race for the first time. I want to be a racer, so I need to learn and experience what it's all about. I didn't do anything wrong. Don't worry.

Ava shakes her head, her expression hardening.

Ava: Liam, I know you have dreams of becoming a racer, but you can't do the wrong things to chase them. If this dream of yours starts leading you down a bad path, I won't allow it.

Liam's frustration bubbles to the surface, and he raises his voice.

Liam: But it's what I want to do! It's my career, my future! I want to be a racer! You always treat it like a phase or something unrealistic, but it's not! I'm sick of you not taking me seriously!

William's jaw tightens as he responds, his tone firm and sharp.

William: Enough, Liam! This dream of yours is not realistic in any way, shape, or form! I won't let you disrespect us for a fantasy. Be realistic! Racing isn't a career—it's dangerous. I can't let my son put himself in harm's way! This obsession is leading you down the wrong path, and we're not going to stand by and let it happen.

The harsh words hit Liam like a punch to the gut. His own parents, the people he looks up to most, don't believe in him. Tears well in his eyes as anger and hurt consume him.

Liam: You don't understand! How can my own parents not understand?! Racing is my dream! It's all I've ever wanted to do, and here you are, tearing it down without a second thought! I thought you were supposed to support me, not crush my dreams!

Ava softens her tone, trying to soothe her son's rising emotions.

Ava: Calme-toi, Liam. (Calm down, Liam.) We understand you're passionate, but you're not seeing how dangerous this can be. We can't put you in harm's way. We love you, Liam, and that's why we're saying this. We just can't take that risk.

William exhales deeply, his anger giving way to concern, though his voice remains steady.

William: Liam, listen. We just want what's best for you—that's our job. Racing isn't the right path for you right now. You need to focus on your studies and stay out of trouble. Maybe later, but not now. Do you understand?

Liam's heart feels like it's shattering. He looks at his parents, his voice cracking with emotion.

Liam: Wow... My own parents don't believe in me. I can't believe this. Maybe you never have.

Without waiting for a response, Liam storms off toward his room.

Ava: Liam? N'ose pas t'éloigner de nous! (Don't you dare walk away from us!) Liam!

Her calls go unanswered as Liam slams his door shut with a loud bang.

Ava: Bon sang! (Damn it!)

Ava shakes her head in frustration, retreating to the kitchen. William stands in the hallway, stunned, staring at Liam's closed door.

William: What do we do?

Ava sighs, her anger fading into sadness.

Ava: Just let him cool off. He'll come around eventually.

William's shoulders sag as he glances back at the hallway.

William: Were we too harsh? He's never acted like this before. I'm worried about him.

Ava walks over and places a comforting hand on his arm.

Ava: Ne t'inquiète pas, bébé. (Don't worry, baby.) He'll be fine. It's scary seeing him like this, but I promise he'll come around.

She kisses him softly and smiles.

Ava: Now, go get some rest. You need it.

William nods but takes one last look at Liam's door before heading to his room.

*****

Liam sits on his bed, his fists clenched in frustration. He pounds the mattress in anger before collapsing onto it, his mind racing.

Liam: Bon dieu! (Goddamn it!) They don't understand... They never will. Jésus! (Jesus!) Agh, whatever. Whatever. They'll see. They will. I swear it.

He pulls the covers over himself, his anger giving way to exhaustion. With an uneasy smile, he closes his eyes, waiting for the next day to arrive.