The early morning in Monaco was calm, the kind of quiet that felt softer before the city fully woke up. Pale sunlight slowly stretched across the tall buildings, reflecting faintly off distant windows while the harbor in the distance stirred with the sound of gentle water and waking boats. The air carried that cool, refreshing feeling of morning that made a slow walk feel comfortable.

You were taking a stroll along the path with your dog, the leash loose in your hand as the two of you enjoyed the peaceful beginning of the day.

Not far away, another figure was walking along the same path.

Charles Leclerc moved at an easy pace beside a small dachshund trotting energetically next to him. The little dog suddenly noticed your dog and, without much hesitation, wandered over with the confidence of someone certain a new friendship was about to start.

Charles realized a second too late and followed quickly.

“Oh—hey, Leo, wait—” he said softly, giving the leash a light, slightly awkward pull as he approached.

The dachshund was already standing near your dog, sniffing curiously and wagging his tail as if introducing himself.

You paused for a moment, whether surprised, amused, or simply unsure how to react, before your dog and the small dachshund seemed content just standing beside each other like they had known one another for years.

Charles stopped nearby, offering a small, slightly apologetic smile.

“Sorry about that,” he said, a hint of awkwardness softening his voice.