Start Small, End Big.

Run The Lap

Liam is seen by the starting line, leaning on a guardrail that overlooks the skyline of downtown Montreal. His nerves fire off left and right as he breathes deeply, trying to prepare for his lap. He doesn't fully understand why he said yes to this challenge, but something deep inside tells him he needs to take it. This is his real shot at the street racing scene, a chance to truly wow the spectators. As he contemplates, Hope approaches him.

Hope: You good, bud?

Liam is startled by her presence but smiles as he looks at her.

Liam: Whoa. Hehe, hey, Hope. Yeah, I'm hanging in there. Just... really nervous.

Hope: Ne vous inquiétez pas (Don't worry). Hehe, you got this. I was nervous my first time running a lap too. Believe me, it felt like a warzone was happening inside me. There were SO many thoughts and worries flying around. But I pushed through, and the reward was absolutely stunning. When it all becomes a blur, and it's just you and the car zooming down the road, the engine singing to you... oh, it's pure bliss.

Liam smiles at her.

Liam: I'll admit, I felt a bit of that during practice.

Hope: Vraiment? (Really?) That's a good sign. But trust me, the feeling you'll get out there tonight will be double what you felt in practice. So, go get 'em, cowboy! ...Hehe, wow, that was so corny.

Liam: I kind of liked it.

Hope smiles and teases him by gently grabbing his face and turning it toward his Veloster N.

Hope: Now, show 'em what you've got.

Liam glances back at Hope, blushing slightly, but quickly shifts into focus mode as he walks toward his car.

*****

The scene opens with Liam standing nervously next to his matte black Veloster N in a dimly lit parking lot. The tension in the air is palpable as a crowd of street racing enthusiasts gathers to witness his lap. The starting line looms ahead, a gateway to the winding country roads of Mount Royal. Liam closes his eyes for a moment.

Liam (to himself, taking a deep breath): D'accord (All right). You can do this.

Sliding into the driver's seat, Liam places his hands on the steering wheel, the feel of the leather grounding him. He revs the engine, its roar echoing through the lot as the headlights pierce the darkness. Pulling up to the starting line, the car growls, eager to be unleashed. The crowd watches intently. Hope steps forward, holding a flag. Before she drops it, she gives Liam an encouraging smile, locking eyes with his determined gaze. Liam carefully revs the engine, holding it steady at 2,000 RPM. Hope throws the flag down, and Liam releases the brake. The Veloster N surges off the line with a high-pitched whine, the tires screeching in delight. The engine's roar and rapid-fire backfires sound like a symphony of controlled chaos. Navigating the first few turns, Liam's heart pounds almost louder than the engine. Adrenaline floods his veins, sharpening his senses. The twisting road ahead is his prey, and he's the predator. The scent of pine wafts through the car as he accelerates, the engine responding to every shift with a flutter and growl. Liam's grip on the wheel tightens, his focus razor-sharp. Each turn becomes a dance, the car gliding around apexes with precision. The headlights cut through the darkness, casting flickering shadows that seem to cheer him on. The crowd watches in awe, their cheers muffled by the Veloster's furious roar. Barrett, among them, grins broadly. The road straightens briefly, offering a glimpse of the glittering city skyline. The contrast between the untamed wilderness and the orderly glow of downtown Montreal reflects Liam's own transformation. The Veloster N powers forward, its engine howling like an unleashed beast. As Liam nears the finish, the thrill of speed overtakes him. The road, once daunting, now feels like a partner in this exhilarating dance. For the first time, Liam fully understands the allure of street racing-and he's in love. Bringing the car to a stop at the starting line, Liam's hands tremble with exhilaration as applause erupts around him. Barrett smirks, muttering to himself.

Barrett (to himself): Damn good, kid. Damn good.

Liam steps out of the car, his eyes alight with confidence and a massive smile on his face. The trial run has changed him, igniting a passion that he knows will carry him deep into the heart of Montreal's street racing world. And he has no intention of turning back.