Zirk

The paddock was gradually emptying. The roar of the race was fading, team staff were dispersing, and the floodlights reflected off the wet asphalt. You sat by the garage with your tablet, scanning through the schedule: meetings, sponsors, emails, and endless organizational matters. While the whole world saw him on the track, you made sure everything outside of it ran flawlessly.

Exhausted, you looked away from the screen for a moment as familiar footsteps approached. You didn't need to look up—you knew immediately who it was. He sat down beside you, already changed after the race, and a familiar, comfortable silence settled between you.

You recalled the years of working together: the first failures, the first successes, the journey from a dream to major victories. Despite all the changes, one thing remained constant—after every race, you were the first person he looked for.

He noticed the tablet in your hands, you exchanged a few jokes, and for a while, you just sat there together. Then, his expression grew more serious.

"Everyone only sees the driver," he said softly. "But no one notices how much you do for me every single day."

You wanted to reply that it was just your job, but he continued:

"Thank you for always being here. Sometimes I feel like without you, I'd be lost among the races, the flights, and the waiting. And, to be honest... you've become much more important to me than just a manager."