Under the stars

Chapter 3: Echoes of the Countryside.

At fifteen, Victor decided to take the train alone to join his family in the countryside. Every Friday after school, he slipped away from the bustle of Paris, eager to find the calm of his grandparents' farm. Though the journey was long, it was a moment of transition. He watched the landscape fly by through the window, each minute bringing him closer to the laughter and smiles of his loved ones. Urban scenes gave way to vast green fields, and the fresh air that seeped into the carriage seemed to carry a promise of freedom.

The farm, nestled among gentle hills and fields where the wheat swayed in the wind, was a true sanctuary. The animals—from the little goat hopping around the chickens to the peaceful cow grazing in the grass—formed a living picture that soothed his heart. Upon every arrival, he was greeted by his grandparents, Samuel and Victoria, who embraced him with a love that was uniquely theirs. They prepared comforting meals for him—his grandmother’s hot soup, the fresh bread from the local baker—and surrounded him with stories rich with memories of a bygone era.

Victor felt safe in this enchanting setting, far from the bullying he endured at school. The arguments between his parents seemed to fade here, and for a while, he could forget about his daily struggles. His grandparents cared for him with delicate attention, ensuring he felt loved and valued, offering him the comfort he so desperately needed.

His cousins were invaluable playmates. Ten-year-old Nahïa looked at him with admiring eyes. Every time he arrived, she was there, eager to show him her latest discoveries or to ask him for help with her homework. The boys, Sacha and Daniel, seven years old, brought boundless energy. They squabbled over nothing, their laughter echoing across the farm. Victor loved watching them bicker over toys or who would be first on the swing. These moments of innocent joy reminded him of the simple happiness of childhood.

Maëlle, on the other hand, was the sunshine of the family. With her gentle and loving nature, she had become Victor’s confidante. She shared her little worries, her school troubles, while he entrusted her with his own doubts and dreams. It was a precious exchange that brought them even closer. They shared secrets, their bond strengthened by an unwavering trust. With her sparkling eyes, she made him forget the tensions of his life in Paris.

One of Victor’s deepest passions was mechanics. He was fascinated by cars, a love that grew stronger each day. His uncle Mickaël, a man with calloused hands but a tender heart, had noticed this interest. Every Friday, he welcomed Victor with old models he had picked up here and there, often in poor condition but which Victor saw as treasures to restore. In the garage, surrounded by spare parts and tools, they became a team. The smell of oil and the sound of wrenches became a familiar melody. They spent hours dismantling, repairing, and reassembling engines, adjusting brakes, and painting bodies.

One day, Mickaël surprised Victor with a gift that would mark a turning point in his life: he signed him up for a rally race. Torn between excitement and nerves, Victor could hardly believe what was happening. He had always dreamed of driving on a track, but the idea of doing it in front of a crowd both thrilled and terrified him. With his uncle’s help, they reinforced the body of an Audi RS4. They spent days tinkering in the garage, welding safety bars, adjusting the suspension, and fine-tuning details to ensure the car was ready to face the terrain. Every minute spent together was a celebration, a combination of learning, laughter, and bonding.

On race day, the atmosphere was electric. Dressed in his racing suit, Victor stood in the paddock, his heart pounding. The car, gleaming under the sun, drew all eyes. The air was thick with the smell of fuel and the roar of engines around him. His cousins, Nahïa, Sacha, Maëlle, and Daniel, were all there to cheer him on, their faces lit up with excitement. They waved handmade banners, shouting his name as if he were already a star.

When his turn came, Victor approached the wheel, his hands clammy on the leather. The announcement of his name echoed through the speakers, and a shiver ran down his spine. The green light flashed, and everything else faded away. The tires screeched on the dirt, and he felt an indescribable surge of energy. At first, he had to focus, his eyes fixed on the road, his mind swinging between adrenaline and fear. He launched onto the course, discovering a whole new side of himself.

The track was dotted with obstacles: tight turns, jumps, and muddy patches that tested his skills. Time flew by as he concentrated on the road, avoiding other racers, maneuvering with precision to maximize every second. Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he gained speed, realizing just how much he loved this. The crowd's cheers, the vibrations of the car—everything blended into one sound.

Victor was in his element, freer than ever. It was as if he was shedding all his worries—the school bullying, the family pressures, and the doubts that plagued him. As he sped along the track, he let himself be carried by the magic of the race, overtaking other cars with a mix of confidence and exhilaration.

The finish line drew closer, and Victor gave it everything he had. Every turn was a new adventure, every straightaway a promise of freedom. At the end of the race, breathless but with his heart racing, he crossed the finish line, a bright smile on his face.

Though he didn’t win, Victor had discovered something precious that day: a passion for racing, for mechanics, and most importantly, a sense of finally being himself—free and joyful. Surrounded by his family, who welcomed him with cheers and radiant smiles, Victor realized that he had found a place and a group of people who truly loved him. That year at the farm, he not only strengthened his family bonds but also discovered a passion that would follow him for the rest of his life.