A Girl Who Races

A Journeys End

Amelia watches as the Doctors take Lightning out of the room. She looks to the clock, it's 9:00 pm, I should probably get some sleep. She thinks to herself, as she pulls the blankets over her body and rests her head on the pillow, facing the empty space where McQueen used to be, as she can't lie down on her other side due to her injury. Sleep doesn't come, she's too worried. The hospital room is empty, everybody else went with Lightning, Amelia doesn't normally mind, but this time she wished someone else was here, hoping for some distraction from the current situation. Her eyes remain peeled open.

Amelia groans in annoyance, she looks to the clock, 12:00 am, how long will this take.

She decides to turn on the TV. She twists to grab the remote but instantly regrets it as she feels immeasurable pain shoot from her stitches. She retracts and tries a different way. Shuffling over in the bed she gets close enough to grab the remote comfortably and shuffles back to her previous spot again. The TV turns on.

"...Still continues." Kori, a well known sports reporter pops up. "As for Lightning McQueen and Amelia Tsunami, their crew chief has stated that he will not let either of them race for the rest of the season. They will return next year. We are still unsure about what kind of state the two racers are in."

Amelia hears people coming down the hallway, she mutes the TV as Lightning comes back into the room. His signature red paint replaced by grey primer. Amelia looks over to Doc and Sally, who both look exhausted, as they follow the doctor into the room and park in their normal spots.

"It was a very invasive operation. He should wake up by tomorrow morning." The doctor says. "We'll just take it step by step."

"Thanks Dr. Warren." Amelia says as he leaves the room.

"Make sure you get some sleep too young lady." Dr. Warren says to Amelia as he closes the door.

Amelia looks over to Doc and Sally. "Guys" both cars look at her. "He's going to be ok. He has to be." She says quietly.

Doc smiles slightly and nods. Amelia slowly sinks back into the bed, facing McQueen, sleep finally over coming her, knowing her fellow racer and friend is back safe for now.

Lightning blinks open his eyes the next morning, still feeling groggy from the anaesthetic. He looks around the room, no one here except him and Amelia. The others must have gone for breakfast. He thinks. He looks to the bed beside him and sees Amelia is still asleep, watching her peaceful face which is almost covered completely with the blankets. He feels a lot better than before, but he's not used to having such a dark body colour, which throws him off a bit. Lightning hears the door crack open a bit and sees Mater peeking in.

"Buddy! Your awake!" Mater yells from excitement as he quickly drives into the room.

"Mater, shhhhh. Be quiet." Lightning scolds pointing to Amelia asleep in bed with his eyes, but it was too late. A groan comes from Amelia as she shifts under the blankets and opens her eyes slightly, mostly squinting.

"Mater." She says groggily as she pulls the covers over her face.

"Sorry, A." Mater says a bit quieter. He turns back to McQueen.

"How ya feelin?" The truck asks.

"Better than before." Lightning answers.

"You had us worried rookie." Doc says as he comes through the door.

"Can everybody just shut up!" Amelia half yells from under the blankets. "Can't a girl get any sleep around here?"

Doc looks over to the pile of blankets surprised by the outburst.