Hello Hurricane {English Translation}

19. Domen - Innsbruck - Day off

"So thank you, Mr. Jensen, and of course the whole Ford team, for allowing us this afternoon and looking forward to an entertaining, but also instructive safety car training," Goran shook hands with the short, squat man with the thick old-fashioned horn-rimmed glasses made his eyes looked like beetles. Mr. Jensen, who was middle-aged, smiled shyly at them. "And before leaving the field for you, let me give you a few brief remarks on today's schedule."

Domen, listening intently and trying to focus on Goran's words, rubbed his tired eyes. It was hard for him to concentrate on anything. Because since yesterday he had the feeling that life passed him by and he felt like a spectator who watched everything from a distance. Felt uncomfortably tight packed in cotton. Only now and then, a rash came to him. Accompanied by the noise in his ears as his pulse rose. The feeling of being swept away by an invisible power he couldn't do anything about.

They had arrived at the hotel in Innsbruck less than an hour ago and almost immediately Goran had quoted them in the conference room to discuss today's schedule. The day plan for their day off, well-noted. Somehow Domen had imagined a bit different than "free" Goran.

"Debriefing today for all the same with me immediately, individually, of course, say who wants first. Domen, Andrej is waiting for you in room 002. Just down the hallway across the bridge, through the small foyer and then sharply to the left. For you, there will be debriefing tomorrow, "Goran continued, and for the first time that day, Domen was listening.

"Why only tomorrow?", He demanded suspiciously. It wasn't like he won the competition, Domen thought almost automatically and regretted it almost immediately. Daniel appeared in front of him. Smiling. On the way to the podium. His pulse increased. With difficulty he tore himself away from the picture. Forced to concentrate fully on Goran again.

"You jumped well, boy. There were only a few little things. It will be enough if we deal with it tomorrow before qualifying, "Goran replied matter-of-factly, watching anxiously as Domens face darkened.

"And how should I know what to look for in practice today?" He demanded of his coach, in a tone that clearly showed that he believed that Goran was wrong in the garret. After all, he intended to make good use of his day in the weight room.

"Ah, your question brings me straight to the next point: None of you will even put a toe across the threshold of the weight room today-"

"WHAT ?!", Domen escaped horrified and drew everyone's attention.

Goran ignored the interjection and continued, "And not even breathe on Nejc for imitation exercises. Regeneration is the magic word of today. Relax. We only have half time. I want you to come down a bit and devote most of the day to things other than jumping. Tomorrow we'll start again with new energy. Does anyone see a problem? "

Yes! He saw one. What should that be? Had Goran sniffed the incense sticks of Andrej for too long ?! Completely frozen from the training ban, Domen sat in his place. He wouldn't survive that day it if he wasn't allowed to exercise. Panic spread, Domen tried to somehow regain control as he forced himself to sit quietly in his seat and shake his head.

Satisfied, Goran nodded. He knew that it was just right for his team, but especially for Domen. Although the youngest Prevc scion wasn't necessarily known for his well-balanced personality, he had never seen him as tense as in recent days. Slowly he wondered if the tournament with all its rat tail of expectations, disappointments, press, and stuff like that might not have been too much for a seventeen-year-old. That was why it was important to him that Domen continue his work with Andrej. He didn't want to risk creating a second Rok Benkovič.

Taking a deep breath, Domen stared at the table in front of him and slid deeper into his chair. He needed something to do. Something that went beyond looking and turning to lead, that much was clear. The hour with Andrej would be nerve-wracking enough anyway, why did Goran have to take his only bright spot this day, Domen thought desperately, as a hand unexpectedly pushed into his field of vision. Disoriented, he stared into Cene's face, who was staring at him frowning. "Say, is everything alright with you?"