Liam sits in his childhood bedroom, the place where his dreams first took root. Dusty old posters still cling to the walls, their edges curled with time. As he gazes at them, memories flood his mind—memories of how he got each one, always with his grandpa. He reaches into a box and pulls out a gold trophy from Catalunya. With careful precision, he places it on an empty shelf—a shelf he deliberately left bare, knowing that one day, his trophies would belong there. A soft thud echoes as the trophy settles in place. Liam stares at it, his thoughts drifting back to Barcelona's beauty. Next, he pulls out another trophy—this one from Bathurst, Australia. The silver-plated number 2 catches the light, reflecting directly into his eyes. He smiles proudly, remembering that race. Even though he finished second, it was an invaluable learning experience. Finally, Liam reaches for the last trophy in the box—the most special one. His eyes widen as he gawks at it, a massive smile stretching across his face. He still can't believe he won that race. He gently places it atop the shelf, then takes a step back, admiring each and every hard-earned trophy. But as his eyes wander across the room, they land on something else—a framed photo of him and his grandpa, taken in the garage when he was just a kid. Liam's smile slowly fades. The memory of long days spent working on his grandpa's 3000GT, bonding over engines and car parts, rushes back. He remembers how his grandpa used to lift him up and point to different parts of the engine, explaining each one in detail.
*****
("What's that?"
"Well, that's the oil cap, Liam. You take that off and pour in the oil—the lifeblood of a car."
"What's oil? Is it juice?"
His grandpa chuckled.
"Hehe, no, silly. You're just like your father. Oil is what keeps the engine running smoothly. Think of it like lotion for the car. Just like you need lotion to keep your skin soft, an engine needs oil to stay smooth and working properly."
"What's that?"
"Ooh, looks like my little second son is eager to learn, hehe. That's the transmission—it's what mak-")
*****
Liam blinks back to reality, his heart aching as a single tear rolls down his cheek.
Liam: Wish you were here, Pops. I hope you're enjoying your afterlife—you deserve it. I miss you.
A sudden knock at the door pulls him from his thoughts.
Liam: Huh? What? Uh—come in!
The door creaks open, and William steps inside.
William: Oh, hehe, I see you got your trophies up already. They look great—they kinda complete the room. Hard to believe you grew up here, leaving that shelf empty just for this moment. For seventeen years, it stayed bare. And now? Three trophies in one year. Hehe. Come here.
Liam: Uh, okay?
His father pulls him in for a warm hug, pressing a kiss to his head.
William: I'm so proud of you, Liam. Grandpa would be, too. You've accomplished so much in so little time. It's crazy. And...I'm sorry I didn't believe in your dreams earlier. I can't say that enough. But you proved me wrong, and I couldn't be prouder. You really are an Allard—a true one. And I can't thank you enough for it. I love you, bud.
Liam chuckles softly, his heart swelling with emotion.
Liam: I love you too, Dad.
William pulls back, his expression serious yet gentle.
William: I know you miss him. I do too—every day. But just remember, he's right there next to you, 24/7. He'll always be there to support you—not physically, but soulfully. And that's the best kind of support a person can get. Alright?
Liam nods, his voice almost breaking.
Liam: I know, Dad. It's just... seeing these trophies, I would have loved to see his reaction. I would have loved to see him smile again. To bond with him one more time. He was such a big part of my life, Dad. I wouldn't be here without him. I wouldn't have become a racer. I wouldn't have won these trophies. I could've made new memories with him.
William sighs, his own eyes misting over.
William: I know. I wish that too. My dad was proud of me—but I know he would have been even prouder of you. And honestly? I'd be okay with that. My dad was an amazing person, an incredible racer. He bled cars and racing. It would have been amazing to see him pass on, completely fulfilled in life. But... he's still here. I know he is.
William pats Liam's shoulder, offering a small smile.
William: Anyway, I'll leave you to your trophies. I know how much they mean to you, so I'll give you that peace. I'll see you at dinner, okay, bud?
Liam: Sure. No problem.
William steps out of the room, leaving Liam alone once more. He stares at his trophies for a few more minutes, his mind still deep in thought—until suddenly, he hears his name being called.
Ava: Liam! Honey! You've got a visitor! Come here!
Liam: Coming!
Liam walks out of his room and heads toward the door, where a well-dressed man in a suit stands waiting. The man smiles, his sharp gaze studying Liam carefully.
Man: Ahh, you must be Liam Allard. Crazy portfolio you've built in just one year—you've already outdone a lot of pro racers.
Liam blinks, caught off guard.
Liam: Oh—hi. Hehe. Yeah, I'm just doing what I love. And you are...?
The man extends a hand.
Man: My name is Garvin Hazel. I'm here on behalf of Hyundai N Rally.
Liam's eyes widen in shock.
Liam: Hyundai N Rally? THE Hyundai N Rally?
Garvin chuckles.
Garvin: The one and only.
Liam stares at him in disbelief.
Liam: Putain de merde... (Holy s***...) So, what are you here for?
Garvin: Well... let's just say the owner of Hyundai wants you on the team.
Liam's jaw drops.
Liam: What?!
*****
FIN
YOU ARE READING
Start Small, End Big.
AdventureLiam is an average car lover who could name every manufacturer without looking at their logo. Having recently gotten his driver license, he's poised in making it to the motorsports scene. His parents barely support him, but they still understand. Ho...
