Way to the Glory [Max Verstappen]

Chapter 50 - Hospitals

Flashback 15.07.2015 
The warm sun beat down on the golden sands of Saint-Tropez as our family gathered for another unforgettable summer vacation. Our family, the Gaslys and Schumachers had been coming to this charming seaside town for years, creating cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

As we arrived at our beachfront villa, excitement filled the air. Arthur, Charles, and Lorenzo dashed ahead, their laughter mingling with the sound of crashing waves. Pierre and his brothers followed close behind, exchanging playful shoves and teasing each other with good-natured banter.

"Race you to the water!" Arthur called out, his eyes shining with youthful exuberance as he raced ahead.

"Hey, no fair! Wait for us!" Charles shouted, his competitive spirit kicking in as he sprinted after his younger brother.

Gina and Mick, with their easygoing smiles, added to the lively atmosphere as they joined our group, their arms laden with beach towels and picnic baskets. Amidst the hustle and bustle, the anticipation of a day filled with sun, sand, and sea hung in the air like a promise of adventure.

As the day unfolded, we spent our time building towering sandcastles, diving into the refreshing sea, and indulging in delicious treats from the nearby gelato stand. Conversations flowed easily among us, punctuated by bursts of laughter and shared memories of summers past.

"Remember the time we got lost on that hiking trail?" Pierre chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he recounted a particularly memorable adventure.

"And who could forget the epic sandcastle competition of '09?" Mick added, his voice filled with nostalgia as he recalled our spirited rivalry.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil waters, our families gathered for a leisurely dinner on the terrace of our villa. We feasted on fresh seafood and savory dishes, clinking glasses and toasting to the joys of friendship and family.

As the night stretched on, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon and the twinkling stars above, I couldn't help but feel grateful for moments like these. In the midst of life's chaos, it was these simple pleasures—the warmth of the sun on my skin, the laughter of loved ones—that reminded me of the importance of cherishing each moment and treasuring the bonds that held us together.

As I looked around at the smiling faces of my family and friends, I knew that these memories would stay with me forever, a beacon of light to guide me through whatever challenges lay ahead.

As consciousness slowly seeped back into my mind, I found myself enveloped in a haze of confusion and disorientation. My eyelids fluttered open, revealing the sterile white surroundings of a hospital room. The harsh glare of fluorescent lights above made me wince, and I groaned softly as a dull ache throbbed through my head.

Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I struggled to piece together the events that had led me here. Flashes of the party, the dance floor, and Esteban's sinister grin flickered through my mind like fragments of a shattered mirror, each one a painful reminder of the chaos that had unfolded.

A soft rustle drew my attention, and I turned my head to see a nurse bustling about the room, her gentle touch as she adjusted the IV drip a soothing presence amidst the turmoil of my thoughts. "Ah, you're awake," she murmured, her voice a comforting lilt. "How are you feeling?"

I tried to speak, but my throat felt parched and dry, the words catching in my throat like grains of sand. With a gentle nod, the nurse handed me a small cup of water, and I gratefully took a sip, relishing the cool liquid as it eased the tightness in my throat.