#kart

Having three children was like diving into an ocean of sweetness, but also a whirlwind of logistics.

The challenge wasn't the lack of harmony—the children were genuinely the Piastri family's greatest treasure—but rather the fact that each of them was blossoming in different directions at the same time. Capturing the attention at each individual milestone for Miles, Theo, and Lia required an effort that defied the laws of physics and time.

On this particular weekend, the calendar seemed to have conspired against the family coming together.

Theo had his first major karting championship in Italy, a crucial step for the young driver. Simultaneously, Lia would take her most delicate steps on stage in an eagerly awaited ballet performance, while Miles faced the pressure of a crucial math exam. The parents' hearts ached, but the division was inevitable: the family would need to be in two places at once to ensure that no one was left helpless in their small mission.

Y/n took charge of the base at home, offering emotional support for Lia's ballet and check-ups for Miles. Oscar, enjoying a well-deserved break from Formula 1, took on the role of mechanic, mentor, and travel companion for Theo on the way to Italy.

The decision was made with a lump in their throats; Oscar lamented losing Lia's tutu and the sparkle in Miles' eyes when solving equations, while Y/n grieved for not being in the paddock supporting her middle child.

Without Hermione Granger's Time-Turner, all that remained was FaceTime and longing.

But fate had another test in store for the middle Piastri. Perhaps due to the stress of his debut or the hostile Italian climate at that time, Theo's body began to give way. What started as a simple runny nose quickly evolved into a persistent cough and throbbing headaches.

Even though he felt like a rag, Theo's determination was unwavering. He practically begged on his knees for Oscar to let him participate in the adjustment training on Friday and Saturday. After a long conference between father and son, and a quick call to his mother, Oscar gave the go-ahead, but with one non-negotiable condition: he would be the boy's constant shadow in the paddock. Far from complaining about the supervision, Theo simply smiled, grateful for the chance to go to the track.

As soon as one of Saturday's practice sessions ended, Theo returned to the pits with the kart. Getting out of the cockpit, the boy walked slowly towards his father, removing his helmet with an effort that betrayed his exhaustion.

"So, champ. How did it go?" Oscar approached, crouching down to help with the equipment buckles. He started asking about the telemetry and the kart's behavior, but Theo didn't seem interested at that moment.

"My head feels so heavy..." Theo confessed, his voice sounding tired. "I'm cold. And my nose wouldn't stop running inside my helmet either...which is a little gross."

Oscar chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood, but as he placed his hand on his son's forehead, his smile faltered. Theo's skin was much warmer than usual.

"You're quite hot, you know?" Oscar said in a low voice, his careful tone contrasting with the background noise.

Theo shrugged, sniffing loudly.

"Everything's fine, it's just the flu. I can keep training." He tried to maintain his composure, but his eyes blinked slowly due to lethargy, and the slight tremor in his shoulders revealed the inner coldness.

Oscar sighed softly and pulled his son closer, shielding him from the wind blowing through the shower stall.

"We agreed that you would tell me the truth." He spoke with that calm firmness. "And the truth now is that you're not one hundred percent."

"But it's just today... I promise it was only on this way back that I sneezed too much," Theo insisted.

As if the universe wanted to contradict him, a strong sneeze shook him immediately afterward. Oscar was quick, taking a handkerchief from his pocket and handing it to the little boy.

"Health!" He laughed, though concern was etched in his eyes.

"Thank you, Dad." Theo blew his nose and made a face of disgust. "And that was kind of gross, wasn't it?"

"It was a little..." Oscar laughed, putting his arm around the boy's shoulders. "What if... we make a deal?" Theo looked up, suspicious but attentive, "If you get better by tonight, we'll keep everything as it is. But if you don't get better... Dad will ask you not to run tomorrow... Not because you can't, but because your health comes first at times like these, remember?"

Theo's expression fell. He made a small grimace, his lips trembling slightly. "I really wanted to run..."

"I know, darling." Oscar leaned in, hugging him to warm him up. "And you're doing great. Even though you're officially the most sickly kid in this whole paddock." He grinned slightly, earning a small smile in return. "But you have many championships ahead of you. MANY. And you're an incredible driver, Theo. Nobody will want to leave you out."

The boy took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "Okay..."

"That's it! That's how we Piastri do it." Oscar affectionately ruffled his hair. "And that was Mom's suggestion too, so you can't disobey."

Theo let out a little laugh, which quickly turned into a dry cough. Oscar wrapped him in a protective hug, taking off his coat and putting it on his son.

"Alright, ladybug. How about a hot cup of tea before we talk to the engineer about that last lap?"

"With honey?" Theo asked, his eyes shining a little brighter.

"With honey!" Oscar confirmed, guiding him out of the hustle and bustle of the pits.

In the paddock cafeteria, the atmosphere was welcoming and warm. Theo settled near the window, almost disappearing inside Oscar's large coat, while his father placed the order.

Even before the tea arrived, Oscar pulled out the thermometer, which was now his permanent accessory, and checked Theo's temperature. Without delay, he administered the recommended syrups, and the boy swallowed everything with a gentle obedience that tugged at Oscar's heartstrings.

When the steaming tea with honey and the chocolate donut were delivered, Theo seemed more comfortable. Oscar went outside for a moment, leaning against the glass wall where he could watch his son every second, and called his wife.

"Hi, love." Her voice came from the other end, bringing a little peace to the chaos.

"Hi, darling. Is everything alright there?" Oscar smiled.

"Yes! Miles and I are going to Lia's ballet recital now," Y/n explained over the sound of the moving car.

"Hi Dad!!" Miles shouted from the background.

"Hi, darling! How are you?" Oscar asked.

"Great job! I got the highest grade on my math test!!" Miles' enthusiasm was contagious.

"Oh my God! That's incredible, champ!! Congratulations!!" Oscar exclaimed, feeling genuine pride.

"Thank you, Dad!" Miles replied, reverting to his usual shyness, which made the couple laugh.

"And how is our little boy with the flu?" Y/n asked, her tone shifting to maternal concern.

"Feverish, but stable," Oscar reported, watching Theo bite into the donut. "Runny nose, cough, headache... and stomach ache, but I think that part is more nerves than the flu."

Y/n sighed. "I figured. He insisted a lot on training, didn't he?"

"Almost on my knees. But we made a deal: if he gets better by tonight, he runs. If not, we'll hold him off."

"Thank you for that," she said sincerely. "I know how important it is to him, but his health worries me."

"I confess that it happens to me too. But I'm following your instructions and the doctor's. Taking his temperature every half hour and giving him lots of lemon tea with honey."

"That's cute." Y/n commented, making Oscar laugh.

"Cute?"

"Yes. Even though you're being an excellent father, you're sweet. I always imagined it would be like this, but it's been even better."

Oscar lowered his head, feeling his face grow hot.

"Ah... thank you, dear... But you know, I'm also very proud of our Theo." He kicked a small stone on the paddock floor. "Even though he was sick, he did very well on the track today. I think he's officially the most determined and constipated kid in this place."

"That sounds exactly like him." Y/n agreed.

"Our boy!" Oscar said sweetly. "And well... he misses you. But he's being very strong."

"Tell him that Mom is sending all the good energy in the world!" Y/n's voice came out softly. "And that Lia wished him good luck before putting on his ballet shoes. And Miles..."

The eldest son approached again. "I'm sending him enough energy to win for three weekends in a row!"

Oscar and Y/n's laughter echoed in sync.

"I'm going to tell him all of this; it'll change his day."

"He says we'll be there to watch tomorrow and that we're very proud," Y/n added. "Even if he doesn't race, he's already amazing."

"He is!" Oscar agreed.

Silence filled the line for a moment as Y/n arrived at the theater and Oscar watched his son from inside the cafeteria.

"Osc, we just parked at the theater. I need to hang up, but I'll call later to talk to him."

"Of course. And good luck with the performance, Lia."

"I'll tell her...Oh! And I'll send a gift to cheer up the sick child."

"Okay!" Oscar laughed. "And record the presentation for me?"

"It was already in the plans!" she assured.

"Leave it to me, Dad!" Miles interjected. "I'm bringing a sign so big she'll be embarrassed for the next 10 years!"

Oscar and Y/n's laughter was inevitable.

"That's right, mission of the older brother."

"Okay, I'm going to hang up now. I love you all!"

"We love you too."

Oscar remained motionless for a few moments, his gaze fixed on the now dark screen of his cell phone.

The silence that followed the end of the call was filled by the distant murmur of the coffee shop and the comforting sound of Theo's breathing. He took a deep breath before turning on his heels and returning inside the establishment.

Theo hadn't moved; he remained seated in the same place, his little legs swinging rhythmically under the table, his small hands still clutching the empty cup as if searching for the last vestige of warmth. Upon seeing his father, a shy smile lit up his pale face, and in a very soft voice, he asked if he could have another hot tea with honey.

Oscar didn't need words; his smile was the immediate answer.

He would have bought the entire stock of the coffee shop if he had known it would bring comfort to his son.

The rest of the day proceeded at a slow and protective pace, although the fever had subsided, Theo still had drooping eyes and was occasionally overcome by a cold sweat that kept Oscar's paternal instincts on high alert.

Upon arriving at the hotel that evening, Theo was the first to be guided to a warm, relaxing bath, and was then nestled among the heavy, clean blankets of the bed.

While the cartoon filled the room with colors and soft sounds to distract the little boy's mind, Oscar methodically organized the next round of medication, acting with the precision of someone preparing a car for pole position.

Oscar approached the bed carrying a small tray; the medicines were lined up, each in its respective measuring cup, along with a small bottle of water that he strategically placed within Theo's reach.

"Okay, little one. Let's take it slow. One at a time."

Theo settled himself among the pillows, pulling the duvet up to cover his chin, leaving only his curious eyes peeking out.

"Is this one bad?" she asked, pointing to the first bottle with a hint of insecurity.

Oscar smiled slightly, conveying confidence.

"It's sweet." He swirled the small cup between his fingers, observing the liquid. "Sweet like... strawberry and chocolate candy."

Theo wrinkled his nose suspiciously, but searching for the truth in his father's eyes. "Really?"

"Dad's promise!" Oscar replied with a gentleness that left no room for doubt.

Convinced, Theo picked up the small cup with trembling hands and slowly drank the syrup. At the end, he made a slight grimace, processing the taste.

"Yes... it's really sweet."

"See?" Oscar smiled, his chest swelling with pride at the little boy's courage. "Now this one will help with the heavy head. And then, plenty of water."

Theo obeyed promptly, drinking everything and then accepting the water. "Daddy?"

"Hm?" Oscar replied instantly.

"Will I get better by tomorrow?" The question came out so low it seemed to float in the air.

Oscar ran his hand through his son's hair, beginning a slow, rhythmic caress. "You'll get better in your own time. And that's more than enough."

Theo nodded, comforted by the honest answer.

Moments later, a soft, discreet knock sounded at the door. Oscar got up and went to answer it. In the hallway, the hotel doorman was holding a thermal bag with the logo of a local restaurant.

"Hello, good evening, Mr. Piastri." The man said kindly. "A package has arrived for you. It says here it's for your wife."

An immediate, wide smile appeared on Oscar's face.

"Ah, thank you very much." He received the package with extreme caution. "Have a good night."

Oscar closed the door and allowed himself a moment to examine the packaging. Attached to the side was a handwritten note from a member of the restaurant staff, but the content was pure Y/n: "With love, Mom and your siblings . A soup to help you feel better, my baby! We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!"

Feeling his chest warm at the gesture, Oscar walked back to the bed with light steps.

"Hey, honey!" she called with restrained enthusiasm. "Mom, Lia, and Miles sent something for you."

Theo sat up abruptly, his eyes gleaming brightly. "They sent it? What is it?"

"You'll find out." Oscar said, placing the package on his son's lap.

Theo opened the package with almost solemn care. As soon as the lid of the main jar was removed, steam rose, carrying the unmistakable smell of alphabet soup—his favorite in the whole world.

His eyes widened and a broad, ear-to-ear grin spread across his face. He continued his exploration, finding a chocolate bar and a cup of still-warm lemon tea with honey.

A loud, spontaneous laugh escaped Theo, and Oscar couldn't help but join in the joy.

"And there's a message too."

Theo read the words slowly, his smile growing with each line. When he finished, he looked at his father with pure gratitude. "Oh! Oh! Can I call them and thank them?"

Oscar felt his heart clench with so much love. "Of course, my dear."

While Theo searched for his mom's contact on his dad's phone, Oscar arranged a sturdy tray on the boy's lap, ensuring he could safely enjoy the soup. When the video call connected, the room filled with the voices of Y/n, Miles, and Lia.

Theo was chatting animatedly, gesturing with the spoon in his hand, looking like a young boy. The coughs still appeared, but his vitality had returned.

Oscar joined the call, sharing a pillow with his son, and the five of them spent a long time chatting, laughing at Miles' jokes and listening to details of Lia's presentation.

Eventually, exhaustion overcame the little ones; Theo and Lia ended up falling asleep during the conversation, and Miles had gone upstairs to his room minutes before. Oscar said goodbye to his wife with a loving look, tucked Theo under the layers of blankets, tidied the room in silence, and before turning off the light, kissed his son's forehead tenderly.

In a whisper, he asked his guardian angel to protect him and restore him for the big day.

●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●

When the Italian morning light flooded the room, Theo was already up, seemingly having left his cold behind. With his little hands tucked behind his back and his fingers crossed in a gesture of pure hope, he approached Oscar and asked if he could still run.

Happiness overflowed when the father, after a quick check, gave the green light.

In the paddock, pre-race jitters caused Theo to visit the restroom a few times, but he emerged with his arms swinging and a resilient smile, even if a trace of a runny nose persisted.

Oscar laughed, extending a handkerchief for the hundredth time.

"Still got a runny nose, champ?"

"Just a little bit!" Theo gestured with his fingers. "But look, if I put the paper on my nose and leave it attached to the helmet, it wouldn't cause a problem!" He demonstrated the idea with a piece of handkerchief, opening his arms as if he had solved the greatest problem of modern engineering.

Oscar chuckled softly, but before he could say anything, a female voice filled Theo's cubicle.

"I don't think that's a good idea, son!"

Theo jumped in surprise before flashing the biggest smile of his life when he saw Miles, Lia, and his mom.

"MOMMY!" He shouted, running into Y/n's arms.

Lia let go of her mother's hand so that she could fully embrace Theo, while she ran to hug her father along with Miles.

"You actually came!" Theo exclaimed against his mother's shoulder.

"Of course, my love! I told you I'd come!" Y/n smiled, brushing the hair away from her son's forehead. "And how are you? Better than yesterday?"

"Yes, Mom! The soup you sent was very good. Thank you!" He hugged her again, inhaling the familiar scent that smelled of home and security.

Y/n hugged Tudo and then approached Oscar, with her son still clinging to her leg and Lia now settled in her father's lap. She looked at her husband with a playful glint in her eyes.

"I heard someone here has become an expert on teas, thermometers, and syrups," she joked, leaning in for a quick kiss.

Oscar laughed, feeling his face grow hot. "It was just a small survival mission. Nothing too heroic."

"I thought it was pretty heroic!" Y/n retorted. "He saved our mid-rider's weekend."

"I was just doing my job as a father." Oscar shrugged modestly.

"From an exemplary father!" she corrected, resting her shoulder against his affectionately.

Feeling refreshed, Theo looked at his brothers. "Do you want to see my go-kart?"

Miles accepted immediately, and Lia jumped off Oscar's lap to hold both siblings' hands. While Theo guided them, explaining every technical detail with contagious enthusiasm, Oscar and Y/n stayed behind, sharing a knowing look in their children's direction.

"He seems much better." Y/n commented softly, her tone more serious now. "I confess I was very worried."

"Me too!" Oscar admitted. "I kept an eye on him the whole time, I didn't even sleep well."

Y/n smiled slightly, watching her husband. "I figured. He was being very careful."

"Hey! I've always been careful." He feigned defense, raising his eyebrows.

"Of course! And it got even cuter." Y/n laughed, nudging her husband's shoulder.

Oscar lowered his gaze, laughing shyly. "Do you like making me shy?"

"Only when it's just the two of us!" she replied, resting her head on his shoulder as they watched the three children gathered in front of the go-kart.

Suddenly, Lia came running back and stopped in front of Oscar, gesturing frantically.

"Daddy! Daddy! The ballet performance was beautiful! I danced perfectly, without making a single mistake! And Miles made a giant poster and I was a little embarrassed, but also happy, and everyone clapped! When I did this—"

Y/n and Oscar laughed at how quickly the youngest was spewing out the information.

Oscar crouched down to listen to every detail of the "focused ballerina," while Y/n walked over to the boys. Theo continued telling Miles about the training and the coughs, while his older brother absorbed everything with curious eyes.

When the call to the track echoed, the family came together in a ritual as they always did with Miles, now of course, with little Theo.

The little boy asked his mother and Miles for help adjusting his helmet and neck protector. Lia, wanting to participate, ran to zip up her brother's jumpsuit, feeling like the most important helper in the world.

Oscar watched the scene from a few steps away. There was a profound calm in that moment that surpassed any trophy. He breathed in the paddock air, feeling like the luckiest man in the world.