As the F1 season took a pause for its summer break, Camille found herself back in the charming streets of Milan. Meanwhile, Lando bounced between Monaco and the UK, where he reconnected with family and friends. Despite the physical distance that now stood between them, their shared experiences, particularly the recent date in Belgium, had woven a new closeness between Camille and Lando. They refused to let miles deter their connection. Phone calls turned into long conversations, each trying to fit their respective worlds into the span of a video screen. They'd occasionally have 'meals together' despite the distance through screens— Camille would display her Italian culinary creations, while Lando, with a self-deprecating smile, showcased his limited cooking skills. Sometimes, they'd hit play simultaneously to watch the same show, giggling as they commented on the plot twists and character quirks. Their separation only amplified their desire to bridge the gap, the lingering effects of their date fuelling their conversations with deeper meaning. It was in these moments, far from each other yet intricately connected, that their bond continued to strengthen, laying the groundwork for something more profound.

As much as Camille enjoyed her time alone to unwind from the busyness of the race season so far, Pierre sensed the potential for solitude to become loneliness, and so he invited her to Rouen, his hometown, in an attempt to alleviate the quiet emptiness that often accompanied her private moments. Afterall, Roeun was a familiar and comforting place for Camille— she'd spent many summers and winters there with him and his family when her mum was still around. That's how she found herself boarding a plane, embarking on a journey that took her back to the familiar sights and sounds of a place steeped in memories—the only semblance of stability in a childhood riddled with constant uprooting. Arriving in Rouen, Camille was met with a surge of nostalgia that wrapped around her like a warm embrace. Each corner of the town held echoes of her past— memories of her mother's friends and the little joys they shared in this quaint yet vibrant place.

Pierre offered to fetch her from the airport, and after welcoming her with a hug, they got into his car, setting off to his family home. As she gazed out of the car window, every street seemed to whisper tales of her bygone days, a flood of emotions stirring within her. The drive to Pierre's family home was more than just a simple journey; it was a pilgrimage into her history. Scenes passed by like flashes of a distant dream— the park where she once played, the corner bakery she frequented with her mother, and the worn-out bookstore where she'd spent countless hours immersed in stories. Each sight, each turn, carried a weight of emotions, a story waiting to be revisited. Pierre, sensing her emotional state, remained quiet, offering silent support as they approached his family's abode. Camille grappled with the significance of this visit— how it connected to her past, unveiling fragments of a puzzle she'd been trying to piece together for years.

Eventually, a casual inquiry arose from Pierre, breaking the silence of the serene drive, "So, what were you up to after the Belgium race?"

Camille cocked her head to the side, not completely sure what he was after.

"I popped by your room that night after the race, but it seemed you weren't around," Pierre continued, a tinge of curiosity lacing his words.

"Oh, I went out for a bit with Lando," Camille explained casually.

There was a momentary pause in Pierre's response, a fleeting expression that danced between surprise and something else.

"Lando, huh?" he responded, trying to mask any hint of curiosity with casual interest, eliciting a nod from Camille in response, and they fell back into silence.

The winding country roads soon led them to a picturesque home, nestled amidst lush greenery and blooming gardens. Pierre's family abode exuded warmth and comfort, a charming countryside retreat. Upon arrival, Pierre escorted Camille to the guest room, inviting her to settle in, before he went to inform his mother of her arrival. Minutes later, a familiar voice greeted Camille at the door.

"Oh, mon chéri, it's been far too long!" Pascale, Pierre's mother, exclaimed as she entered the room with open arms, wrapping Camille in a tight embrace.

Pierre stood by the door, smiling at the two women hugging at their reunion. Pascale took a small step back to take a better look at Camille.

"Look at you, all grown up into a beautiful lady," she said with affection.

As Pascale lovingly praised Camille's growth and beauty, her eyes gleaming with warmth, Pierre chimed in with a playful smirk, "Yeah, I know, right?" His tone carried a hint of jest, adding a light-hearted touch to the moment before excusing himself, leaving the women to catch-up.

Seated at the edge of the bed, Camille and Pascale shared a quiet moment.

"I haven't seen you since..." Pascale began, a hint of sadness in her voice, referring to Camille's mother's funeral.

Camille nodded in understanding, responding softly, "Yeah, it's been a while."

Pascale inquired about how she's been, prompting Camille to express how difficult it was initially but mentioned pursuing her passion for cooking, finding solace in it.

"Your mum would be proud," Pascale reassured her with a warm smile.

Camille's summer in Rouen unfolded with warmth and joy with each passing day. Its vibrant farmers' markets became her haven, a lively whirlwind of colours and conversations. Led by Pascale's seasoned expertise, each visit unfolded into a vivid tapestry of local delicacies and community tales. Among the stalls laden with plump fruits and fragrant herbs, Camille soaked in Pascale's wisdom, learning not just about ingredients, but about life's shared joys and cherished stories. Their frequent visits to the markets often led to time spent together in the kitchen, where Camille found solace in the familiarity of mealtime rituals, side by side with Pascale, creating gastronomic symphonies. The shared laughter, scents of simmering sauces, and the playful dance of chopping and stirring painted an intricate picture of cherished moments woven into the fabric of time.

And away from the pulsating energy of the F1 circuits, Rouen's serene landscapes offered a respite for both Pierre and Camille, the perfect canvas for a rekindled friendship, evoking the nostalgia of their carefree childhood, a time when summers felt infinite.. Though they travelled through the race season together, Pierre was always attending to endless driver commitments, while Camille tethered to the kitchen's continuous demands and chaos. So, it was nice for the two childhood friends to be devoid of all things F1, and to just soak up what summer had installed for them together. They ventured into the idyllic countryside, where sprawling meadows and tranquil lakes awaited. In those quiet corners, conversations flowed effortlessly, blending nostalgic reminiscences with dreams for the future. Among the rustling leaves and sun-drenched paths, their bond deepened, revealing layers of their shared history.

For Camille, these carefree days in Rouen were a relief, a gentle refuge in Pierre's company, reminiscent of the warmth she found in childhood. However, for Pierre, these moments were more than mere rekindling of an old friendship. Beneath the camaraderie and shared laughter, his heart bore the weight of unspoken sentiments. As they strolled through the meandering lanes or whiled away time by the shimmering lake, Pierre found himself caught in a labyrinth of emotions. His fondness for Camille had silently burgeoned into something more profound, a gentle breeze morphing into a tempestuous storm within his heart. He cherished these moments with Camille, yet the profundity of his feelings weighed heavy upon his chest. In the hush of Rouen's rustic serenity, he often found himself stealing glances at her, marvelling at her infectious laughter and the glow in her eyes under the sunlight. With each passing day, his affection for her deepened, intertwining with the tapestry of their shared memories. Despite this profound shift in his emotions, Pierre dared not disturb the tranquillity of their bond. For now, he masked his yearning with smiles and laughter, content with the guise of friendship that cloaked his deeper sentiments. As much as he adored their rekindled connection, the weight of his unspoken adoration remained his silent burden.

Bathed in the golden hues of late afternoon, Camille nestled on the porch, her mother's diary cradled in her hands. The tranquil setting held bittersweet memories, and she couldn't help but imagine her mother relishing this serene haven. As she thumbed through the diary, her fingers traced the familiar writing, a silent conversation with her departed mother. Pascale emerged with a tray of tea, offering some to Camille. Camille sat up, quickly closing the diary, but a photo slipped out, falling to the wooden porch. Pascale picked it up, recognising the image with a warm smile.

"We were so young and happy," Pascale reminisced, pointing out her younger self alongside Camille's mother in the photo. Her finger trailed to a man among the group, "Even Charles's dad was there, Hervé."

The jolt of recognition surged through Camille. Her gaze fixed on Pascale, the words echoing through her mind— Hervé, the mysterious initial in her mother's diary. As Pascale continued to talk about how nice it was to see the close friendship Charles and Pierre still had, just like Camille did with Pierre, Camille's emotions ran rampant, but she managed a smile, albeit a fragile one. As Pascale left her to return to her alone time, Camille sat in quiet contemplation, her mind flooded with revelations, grappling with the intricate tapestry of relationships that had been veiled from her for so long.

The revelation echoed through Camille's being like a turbulent storm. All the small things started to make sense— Charles commenting on how her food reminded him of his dad's or now she guesses their dad's, the ski resort logo he recognised on her mum's sweatshirt, and even Lando saying she looked somewhat familiar before. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, each revelation a thunderclap shaking the core of her existence. The name Hervé lingered, unravelling the mysteries of her lineage, entangling her roots with Charles's family. The web of implications tangled her thoughts.

Pierre, Lando, and now Charles— three pivotal figures in her life, unknowingly connected through their shared history. Camille's heart fluttered with a mixture of confusion, curiosity, and an inexplicable yearning for answers she hadn't sought. Pierre's unspoken affection lingered at the back of her mind, adding a layer of complexity to her emotional labyrinth. Lando's carefree charm and their blossoming connection now resonated with an unforeseen twist. The intimacy they'd shared during their time together danced in her thoughts, intertwined with the weight of her newfound revelations. Charles, unknowingly her half-brother, was symbolic of an unexplored past that now begged for exploration. The connection through their father created a familial bond she'd never anticipated. Caught amidst this turmoil of emotions, Camille grappled with the intricate dance of relationships forged under a veil of ignorance. Her heart yearned for understanding, yet her mind feared the repercussions of unravelling the secrets that had long lain dormant.