𝑈𝑔ℎℎ. 𝑀𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑠. I got out of bed, feeling the heavy weight of material around my body. 𝐼𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑎 𝑤𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠? I thought to myself as I looked through the mirror. I rubbed my face only for my eyes to stumble on...
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A few days later, I made my way to the track for lunch with Chloé, who was already leaning against the railing, watching the racers zip past with an intensity in her gaze. She looked lost in thought, the vibrant Chloé I knew still there but buried under layers of frustration and worry.
As I approached, she glanced at me, managing a half-smile. "You're finally here. I was starting to think you'd bail."
I chuckled, handing her the sandwich I'd brought along. "Wouldn't miss it. How are you feeling?"
Chloé looked away, her fingers tracing the edge of her sandwich wrapper as she watched the cars on the track. "I don't know, Soph. Being here... it feels strange. Like I'm watching someone else live my life."
I reached out, placing a hand on her arm. "You'll be back out there, Chloé. It's only a matter of time."
She let out a shaky breath, her voice barely a whisper. "What if I don't, though? What if... this is it?"
The weight of her fear hung in the air, filling the space between us. I squeezed her arm, willing her to see what I saw in her. "You're stronger than anyone I know. This isn't the end for you; it's just a detour. You'll find your way back."
She looked at me, a spark of hope flickering in her eyes. "I hope you're right, Soph. Racing... it's everything to me. Without it, I'm not sure who I am."
"You're Chloé," I said firmly, "the strongest, most fearless person I know. Racing is part of you, but it doesn't define you. No matter what happens, you'll always be that."
She smiled softly, and I could see the gratitude in her eyes. For a moment, we sat in silence, watching the cars zoom by, each one carrying a piece of Chloé's heart.
Later that afternoon, I headed back to the office, where Lucía was waiting for me. She greeted me with a warm smile, pulling me into a quick hug.
"How's Chloé doing?" she asked as we settled into my office, a soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the window.
"She's holding up," I replied, sinking into my chair. "But it's hard for her, not being able to race. She's afraid she might never get back on track."
Lucía nodded, her expression thoughtful. "That makes sense. Racing is her world, her escape. Losing that, even temporarily, would be devastating."
I leaned back, rubbing my temples as the weight of everything settled over me. "Between Chloé, Nico, and everything else, it feels like I'm constantly trying to hold everyone together. I don't know how much longer I can keep doing this."
