Falling | Charles Leclerc

1.

"Henry, turn that shit off" I let out a sigh. "You're just saying that it's shit because your team is shit" Henry says back quickly.

I pop my head around the corner and take a glance at the tv screen. He is right though, my team is doing terrible. "Look, not my fault that they are shit but turn it off. You can watch the highlights after dinner. Come on, mum made your favourite." Henry turns to look at me "can I eat it here? I want to see who wins" I shake my head and let out a sigh "we all know who wins Henry, it's always Max. It's never not Max. Now come on" I say grabbing the remote from my younger brother, turning off the formula 1. "It's the same every race weekend, but you still hold hope that Hamilton will win, now come on."

"But.. but I'm dying"

"But.. but nothing Henry, you'll die quicker without eating anything" I say quickly back. He is right. He is dying, he has a rare form of cancer that has spread through his whole body. He's 15. He only has a few months left. He stopped all treatments, they just weren't working.

"Come on Sum, how cool would it be to watch Lewis win his 8th title.. well atleast win a race while I'm still alive" Summer looks at her brother with a sad look, he proceeds to move his wheelchair to the dining area.

"A boy can dream, can't he? Speaking of dreams.. mum?" Henry makes his way to the spot at the table where there is no chair and puts his brakes on. Mum comes around the corner from the kitchen holding two plates in her hands and puts on infront of the boy. Ensuring Henry starts to eat, I take my seat.

"Yes Hen" Louisa says with a smile.

"Have we heard from the genies?" Henry asks as he picks up a fork and starts to slowly eat the food that is in front of him. Louisa shakes her head "no, not yet. I'm sure they are still working on your wish"

I look up from my plate and look at my younger brother. "What did you wish for anyway?" Henrys smile starts to get bigger and bigger.

"To meet Lewis Hamilton"

I drop my fork in shock, and just stare at my younger brother. "Are you being serious?" He nods with the biggest smile on his face. "You couldn't have wished for something more realistic like tickets to state of origin or a AFL match? You know the race only comes to Australia once a year, the likely hood that they can make this happen is ne-"

"Is still high" mum quickly interrupts as we see the smile start to fade from Henry's face.

"If you were dying you would want to meet your favourite formula one driver.. wouldn't you like to meet Charles Leclerc?"

"I know that's next to impossible. I would wish for a trip to I don't know, the theme parks in Queensland, or Australia Zoo. Robert Irwin is pretty cute, wouldn't mind meeting him."

"But that's you Summer. You're a lot older than me" Henry quickly says back as he pushes himself away from the table. "I'm not hungry anymore, I'm going to keep watching the race" he says and leaves the dining area.

"Summer Amelia!" Louisa quickly snaps. "You go apologise, you're 26, you should know better."

"Mum.. we both know it's not going to happen, I'm just preparing him for it" Louisa lets out a small sigh. "Let him hope though Sum.. that's all I ask for"

"Thanks for dinner mum" I say as I excuse myself from the table and make my way into the lounge room with Henry's dinner in hand. His eyes glued to the TV. I take a moment to see where everyone is positioned before handing Henry his dinner.

Verstappen 30 seconds ahead. "Oh come on!" Henry yells as Hamilton is hit from behind and is spun out hitting the barrier. A yellow flag is instantly raised.

"I'm sorry" I take a seat on the lounge next to him.  "I just don't want to see you devastated when the genies can't make your wish happen" Henry looks over to me.

"I know.. maybe I should change my wish" Henry pauses and smiles widely at his sister "sky diving seems more reasonable" he says with a cheeky smile. I facepalm myself and let out a small sigh "that's not what I meant. Come on, let's turn it off. You're right we all know who is going to win, how about a movie night with your big sis" I say leaning back onto the lounge further. "We haven't had one of them in years"

"Yeah alright, but I'm picking the movie. You would pick something like Dear John or Marley and Me"

"I would no- yeah I would" I say with a small smile. "Hey Henry" Henry turns his head to face me "don't change your wish. They will make it happen" I place a reassuring hand on his shoulder "wanna sit on the lounge or you comfy in your chair?"

"Lounge I guess" he shrugs, getting his feet off the wheelchair foot rest. I nod and stand up helping him to his feet. Henry stands up nice and tall and I take his hands and help him take a few steps forward. "Come dance with me" I joke as he raises his arms and places them around her neck. I put my hands on his waist grabbing his belt and helping him shuffle across to the lounge. Henry sits down with a thud "it's getting harder and harder every day Sum". I look at his sad face and just say "I know Henry.. I know"