Formula 1 One-Shots (II)

Charles Leclerc [Support]

A/N I have no clue who suggested Charles, but here he is :D

WORDS: 935

PROMPT: "You don't have to do this alone."
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I stare at the old wooden bridge, the one my father and I used to cross countless times when I was little. The paint has chipped by now, and the wood is weathered, but the memories, the laughter, the promises, and the times we shared, remain strong in my mind.

The air is crisp, and the last remnants of autumn cling to the trees. A light breeze dances through the branches, rustling the last dried leaves. I always thought this bridge was magical. It had been a symbol of us, a symbol of how many steps we took together side by side. But now, it feels like crossing into a different world where it isn't us two, but only me left.

My father passed away around six weeks ago. The world has changed so drastically since then. I have never been one to ask for help, always feeling like I should be able to handle everything on my own. But now, standing in front of the bridge, my heart heavy, I don't know if I can take that first step forward to cross the bridge alone.

The sound of footsteps behind me pulls me out of my thoughts. I turn around, almost expecting to see the familiar face of my mother or one of my friends since they are the ones who know that I am currently taking a walk to the nearby forest. But instead, it is Charles. His warm eyes meet mine, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

"I thought I might find you here after I didn't see you at your home," he explains, his voice gentle. "This is where you and your dad always came, right?"

I nod, swallowing the lump that has formed in my throat. "Yeah, he used to bring me here when I was a kid, and we went on another adventure in the woods. I thought if I came here, it could help... I don't know, maybe make things feel normal again."

Charles steps closer, standing beside me before saying anything. He's probably one of the few people who understands my pain right now. For a long moment, we stare at the bridge. He probably doesn't know what to say, and I'm not really interested in a conversation.

"You're not alone, you know," Charles says after a while, his voice kind but laced with pain. "You don't have to do this alone."

I let a shaky breath escape my lips, not even sure why, but those words hit me harder than I expected. Maybe it's because I've convinced myself for so long that I need to be strong, that I need to carry on without anyone's help. But now, in the quiet of this place where so many memories feel alive, I realize that I might need someone to share this burden with.

"I've been trying so hard to keep everything together," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper, almost being carried away by the wind. "I didn't want to burden anyone, but... it's hard, Charles. I miss him so much, and it feels like if I stop holding on to him, I might fall apart."

Charles nods, understanding written on his face. He isn't offering me some words of sympathy, because he knows I've probably heard them too often by now. Instead, he just stands beside me, accompanying me for a moment, until he does speak up.

"I get it. You've been through a lot these past weeks. But you don't have to carry all this by yourself. I'm here, and I know your mom and everyone else who cares about you is here as well. You don't have to do this alone or feel bad asking for help."

I glance at him, my heart filled with a mixture of gratitude and sorrow. Charles has always been someone I would call a friend, but this kindness, this offer of support, is more than I expected. I was so focused on myself that I didn't even allow myself to lean on someone for comfort.

"I don't know what to do," I whisper, looking away from him as my eyes burn with the familiar feeling of tears. "I don't know how to move forward without him."

Charles gently places a hand on my shoulder, his presence alone helping me blink away the salty tears in my eyes. "You don't have to know right now. Just take one step at a time. It's okay not to have all the answers right now, and you don't have to figure them all out by yourself. As I said, I'm here for you."

I feel a warmth spread through me; a spark of hope that had been buried under the grief rising. I don't have to pretend to be okay. There's space for me to feel lost and uncertain while still being supported.

Together, we stand at the edge of the bridge, the wind softening around us as the sun starts to set. The colours slowly blend into each other. Pinks, oranges, and purples paint the sky as we let the quiet beauty sink in.

Finally, I take a deep breath and turn to Charles.

"Thank you," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "I... I think I'm ready to cross the bridge."

Charles smiles at me, his expression warm. "Whenever you're ready, I'm right here."

With a final glance at the bridge, my hand absently reaching for Charles's, I take a step forward. And even though it isn't my father by my side, I know I will never be alone when I need to cross something in my life.