„You look like you do this since forever."
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Daniel Ricciardo is 35 years old and his life change in few seconds. It was his best drive since he left Red Bull but it end up with accident and now he had to left Formula one world.
His parents...
And that sometimes, when we least expect it, life offers us a second chance.
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"I can't believe they flew all the way from Melbourne just to see the zoo," Alira said with a hint of amazement, standing next to Daniel at the main gate, their eyes fixed on the blue-green vegetation behind the bars. They were waiting for Max, his girlfriend, and her little daughter to appear. Max, in his usual determined manner, had decided to make a stop in Perth before heading to Monaco, mainly to visit Daniel and see his new job – and, of course, little P was eager to see the animals.
"That's Max. Nothing he does surprises me anymore," Daniel waved it off with a nonchalant smile. "I'd be more surprised if he didn't come to see the zoo," he added with a laugh, his voice filled with cheer.
Alira, however, didn't seem completely reassured. "What if little P doesn't like it? What if I say something that offends her or isn't suitable for her little ears?" her voice carried a touch of anxiety as she started voicing the questions that were troubling her. "You know how I talk about animals, I never hold back, not even in front of kids."
Daniel sighed, his expression a blend of a smile and compassion. "Al, take a deep breath," he said calmly, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. "Do as I say."
She obeyed, her breathing becoming slower and softer, and even though her heart was still pounding rapidly, she felt herself calming down with each breath. She was surprised at how much her nervousness had turned into anxiety, which was strange because she had accompanied the president's daughter when she was eight and Alira was twenty-four. She laughed, joked, and tried to be as friendly as possible back then. Now, however, she faced a challenge that seemed just as incomprehensible as little P. Though P was only three years younger than the president's daughter had been, how did that affect her readiness?
Alira had always been close to small children, knew how to entertain them, play with them, and enjoy their smiles. She always found pleasure in their company, but now, at this moment, her usual confidence seemed somewhat lost, as if she were facing something much bigger than an animal safari.
"And now exhale slowly and deeply," Daniel said with calm authority, his eyes narrowing in focused observation. Alira, still in the grip of her anxiety, complied and concentrated on a slow, relaxed exhale. Her heart, which had seemed to be in a constant state of chaos, began to return to a normal rhythm. Although her mind was still flooded with tangled thoughts, physical calmness began to resurface. As she relaxed, the stress started to dissipate, which turned out to be perfect timing as Daniel released his firm grip and her eyes met the vehicle parking in front of them.
Alira tried to muster a friendly smile, aware that she wanted to appear warm and welcoming, not like a stern figure emerging from an ice kingdom.
"So you found it," Daniel said with a smile as Max got out of the car. On the other side, from the passenger seat, emerged Kelly, Max's girlfriend, nine years his senior. With charm and care, she helped her daughter, a little angel in a pink dress with hair tied in a ponytail to keep it out of her face, get out. The little girl was indeed adorable, and that sight slightly calmed Alira as it delighted her.
