Start Small, End Big.

First Lesson

Liam's heart raced as he stood next to his Veloster N, the weight of Barrett's expectations pressing on his shoulders. Barrett, a seasoned street racer with a reputation that preceded him, leaned casually against the hood of his WRX, a knowing smile on his lips.

Barrett: "You ready for this, kid?"

Liam nodded, masking his excitement with a confident grin.

Liam: "Absolutely. I've been waiting for this my whole life."

Barrett chuckled.

Barrett: "I can tell. But remember, racing isn't just about speed. It's about control, precision, and strategy. Raw talent won't be enough out there."

Liam listened intently, hanging onto every word.

Liam: "I'm here to learn. Teach me everything you know."

Barrett pushed off his car and gestured toward the driver's seat of the Veloster N. He walked to the passenger side, climbing in with ease.

Barrett: "Alright, let's start with the basics. We'll work on your cornering technique first. Smooth and steady wins the race, remember that."

As Liam revved the engine, the hum of power filled the air. They approached a sharp turn, Barrett's voice guiding him.

Barrett: "Ease into the turn. Feel the weight shift, then accelerate out of it. Let the car become an extension of yourself. A driver is nothing without the respect of their car."

Focusing on Barrett's instructions, Liam felt the adrenaline surge through his veins. He navigated the twists and turns of the empty road with increasing precision. Each successful corner brought a growing sense of confidence. After several laps, Liam pulled back to their starting point, a grin lighting up his face. Barrett stepped out of the car, nodding in approval.

Barrett: "Not bad for a beginner. You've got potential, kid. But there's still a long road ahead. Are you ready to put in the work?"

Liam met Barrett's gaze with determination.

Liam: "I'll do whatever it takes. This is everything to me."

Barrett placed a hand on Liam's shoulder, his voice firm but encouraging.

Barrett: "Good. This is just the beginning. Next time, we'll work on timing and reaction speed. You'll need lightning-fast reflexes out on the streets. For now, let's call it a night. Too much practice can backfire, believe it or not. The real test comes in actual races, but regular training is still key."

As they packed up for the night, Liam felt a newfound sense of purpose. With Barrett as his mentor, he knew he had a real shot at achieving his dreams. The road ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to tackle it one lesson at a time.

*****

Weeks of Training

Liam spent the following weeks under Barrett's guidance, soaking up every piece of advice and refining his techniques. Their sessions moved from empty parking lots to the winding country roads outside Montreal. Each run pushed Liam's skills further, sharpening his understanding of racing's art and strategy. One evening, as they stood overlooking the glittering city skyline from a quiet hilltop road, Barrett turned to Liam, his expression serious.

Barrett: "Listen, kid. I've seen a lot of racers come and go, but there's something about you. Your hunger, your dedication... it's rare. You've got what it takes to make a real impact in this scene."

Liam's eyes lit up with a mix of excitement and gratitude.

Liam: "Thank you. I couldn't have come this far without you."

Barrett nodded.

Barrett: "But remember, the street scene is unforgiving. It's not just about winning races. It's about earning respect and staying ahead of the competition. You'll face challenges—and temptations. Stay focused on your goal."

As they drove back down the hill, Liam's thoughts raced ahead to the future. The journey to becoming a professional racer would be full of obstacles, but with Barrett's guidance and his unwavering determination, he felt ready. The street racing scene was about to witness the rise of a new contender, and Liam was determined to leave his mark.

*****

At Home

Meanwhile, back at Liam's house, his parents were deep in conversation. Ava paced the kitchen, her face tinged with concern.

Ava: "Hey, honey, have you noticed how late Liam's been getting home? I'm starting to worry."

William leaned on the kitchen island, sipping his drink thoughtfully.

William: "I dunno. He comes home with such a big smile, and I don't want to ruin that for him. I just hope he's not doing anything too wild."

Ava sighed, running a hand through her hair.

Ava: "I know I raised him right, but he's unpredictable. I can't help but worry."

William shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips.

William: "That smile, though. He wouldn't look like that if he weren't doing something he loved. You know he's always been into that racing stuff. My dad would've loved his drive. I can't bring myself to squash that. The best thing we can do is wait and see where these late nights lead. Who knows? He might just be on his way to becoming something great."

Ava's worry softened into a small smile.

Ava: "Well, I hope you're right. I don't think he's doing anything too crazy, but... it's probably still crazy. Hehe."

William chuckled.

William: "That does sound like Liam."

Ava: "Alright, I'm off to bed. Bonne nuit (good night)."

She kissed William's cheek and headed to the master bedroom. Alone in the quiet kitchen, William stared into the distance, his mind clouded with thoughts.

William: "What are you doing, Liam? What are you chasing? ...Probably practicing, hehe. He does have that spark."

Setting his drink aside, William made his way to bed, trying not to worry too much about his son's late-night escapades.