Dopamine | Adrenaline Book Two

9- Haunt me, then

The past few hours of waiting for any news from Charles had been like hell on earth for Max. To the public, they were nothing but rivals, so paying him a visit in the hospital during those hours was impossible. If the worst happened, Max would only be able to find out through the news outlets, much like any other fan.

During his wait, Max was summoned for a meeting with the FIA when he was denounced for misconduct on the paddock after videos of him aggressively cursing Lewis surfaced. Fined for unsportsmanlike conduct, Max received a five-place grid penalty for the next race, one that would take place in Monaco, Charles's home race.

At the hotel, accompanied by Kelly, Max waited by the TV and by the phone, every minute and every second torturous as he tried to get any news about Charles.

"Tragic developments from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix today as Charles Leclerc remains unresponsive hours after the accident. After being pulled out by fellow driver, Max Verstappen, Charles was rushed to a local hospital but will be flown back to Monaco to receive specialized care; an update more concerning than relieving. We are sending our thoughts to Charles and his loved ones, wishing a quick recovery and good news to come.

Lewis Hamilton took home the win for Ferrari and with Charles' well-being still unknown we figure it is a difficult win for Ferrari to celebrate yet they are managing to not let it break their spirits completely, embracing the race winner as we're sure his teammate would have wanted."

But there was nothing regarding the severity of his state.

As the night fell, the plates of food Kelly had ordered for Max grew cold. She ate, but he refused to touch anything.

"Max, you'll pass out if you don't eat," she insisted.

"I'm not hungry," he replied.

When midnight arrived, overwhelmed by the day's stress, Max began putting on proper clothes. He announced he was going to go immediately visit the other man in the hospital, determined to find a way in to see him.

Kelly intervened, positioning herself between Max and the door, reminding him that attempting to visit Charles in the hospital would be futile and could cause further complications for him. Reluctantly, Max conceded, frustrated and realizing the truth in her words. There was nothing he could do but wait. However, the anxiety and stress gnawed at him relentlessly, evident in the perpetual redness of his usually pale skin.

He felt on the verge of tears, but even his body seemed reluctant to waste the water he had refused to consume. Slowly placing the room's keys back onto the table, Max took a deep breath, attempting to regain control — in vain.

"I can't lose him," he whispered under his breath, the words clinging to his throat like a confession of the gravest sins. "If he's gone, then I'm already dead."

"He's not dead, didn't you say you felt his pulse?" Kelly asked, reaching out for his arm.

"I don't know!" Max exclaimed, pushing her away in frustration. "Maybe I was just making it up, maybe that was the only way my mind could let him go in that moment, to let them take him," he spoke in desperation.

"We'd know," she spoke firmly, "if he was dead, we'd know."

Max looked at her over his shoulder, his eyes red, but not a single tear fell down his cheek.

"Max..." she mumbled, approaching him, but he quickly turned back around, leaning his hands against the table.

"I can't bear to see you like this," she said, carefully placing her hand over his back. "I never thought I ever would," she confessed. "Max, let's go back home, let's take a flight," she whispered. "Even if he wakes up, they still won't let you visit him. It's best if you wait for it all in Monaco."