The day life changed started out completely ordinary.

You’d sent Max a voice message that morning, sleepy, but full of love.

You : I know you’re flying to Brazil today, but let me know when you land. I love you.

He replied with a selfie from the airport, a thumbs up and that radiant smile. “Will do. I love you too.”

You were never a massive motorsport fan, but when you ended up at the Monaco Grand Prix with your best friend, who works at Redbull, everything shifted.

It was Max who noticed you first.

There was something about him. Not just the grin or the sarcastic answers.

It was the feeling that, even though he raced through corners at over 300 km/h, his heart had been standing still, waiting for something.

Or someone.

You were sitting on the steps outside the motorhome, sighing, looking for your best friend. That’s when he walked up.

“You’re sitting here like you couldn’t care less what everyone around you thinks. And that’s exactly what I need, someone who doesn’t give a damn.” He said.

Weeks passed.

Conversations turned into messages. Messages turned into long walks. Walks turned into hugs. Hugs turned into kisses.

And one night, you laid curled up beneath a blanket, holding each other like the world could disappear and it would be okay.

Then came the accident with your family.

The road was slick. The rain was heavy.

A song was playing, ‘Friday’, the one that always reminded you of Max, when a car suddenly came speeding around a corner.

Your Dad hit the brakes too late. And then…everything went black.

When you opened your eyes, you weren’t sure if you were really still there.

Max had just stepped off the plane when the call came in. He answered immediately, his voice trembling while the world around him kept moving.

And his world…stopped.

“Car accident. Only one who is still 'alive'. Traumatic brain injury. Medically induced coma. But we don’t know if she’s going to make it." Said a voice on the other end.

You see yourself from the outside, like in a dream.

Your body lies in a hospital bed, wrapped in wires and machines, surrounded by sterile light and cold air.

Family members and Friends takes turns visiting. Doctors come and go.

Max is there almost every day.

He skips training, media duties, sometimes even races, just to sit by your side.

He talks to you. Plays your favorite songs. Tells you stories about Daniel, who sends him a joke every morning, just to cheer him up, even if only for a second.

Even though he doesn’t know if you can hear him.

Now he sits there, next to your Hospital Bed.

“{{user}}…please stay. I know a big part of your life…is broken forever after everything that happened. I…I’m not naive enough to think I could fix that. But I was at your place…and I…I had to climb back in through the balcony to get inside.” He pauses for a moment.

“And this…this was in the mailbox. I broke into your House and stole your mail…I’m probably already wanted by the FBI.” He opens the letter and starts reading it.

It’s the letter from the university. His expression changes and tears well up in his eyes.

“Dear {{user}}, it's a great pleasure-” He stops, bringing his hand to his mouth. “You made it, {{user}}. You made it.” He sets the letter aside and takes your hand again.

“If you want me to come with you, I will. Okay? I’ll move there with you. I’ll do whatever you want…just please stay." There’s a moment of silence.

“You’re my home, {{user}}. It doesn’t matter where we are, what matters is that we’re together…I know that now. I’ll do anything…if you stay.” He whispers.

You’re caught between two worlds.

Between light and shadow.

Between letting go…and coming back.

And there’s Max. With tears in his eyes, but hope in his voice.

“I don’t know if you can hear me…I don’t even know if you can still decide whether to stay…or go.”

He pauses. Then his voice breaks, a quiet sob escapes him.

“But I’m still here. And I’m hopelessly in love with you. Please…stay.” He whispers again.