Charles Leclerc :)))

I am Charles Leclerc's wife. Our life was usually very hectic: races, training, travel, interviews, and constant business. But at home, we could forget all of that and just be ourselves.

We had another family member—our two-year-old golden dachshund, Leo. He was incredibly playful, loved attention, and always tried to be near us. Leo especially disliked it when we fought.

That evening, I was sitting on the sofa, checking the clock for the umpteenth time. Charles was supposed to be home a few hours ago. I had prepared dinner and specifically cleared my evening to spend time together, but there hadn't been a single message from him.

Leo lay at my feet, lifting his head from time to time.

"Where's your daddy?" I asked softly.

Leo looked at me, then rested his head on his paws again.

Finally, I heard the door open.

Leo jumped up instantly and ran to meet Charles.

"Hey, boy!" Charles smiled, leaning down toward him.

Leo happily circled around his legs.

I remained on the sofa.

Charles noticed this and immediately realized something was wrong.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi."

"How are you?"

"Fine."

He looked at me more closely.

"Are you angry?"

I crossed my arms.

"What do you think?"

Charles sighed and sat down opposite me.

"I know I'm late."

"You weren't just late. You didn't even text me."

"I had a very difficult day."

"I understand that. But was it really that hard to send one message?"

"My phone was in the car."

"All day?"

Charles fell silent.

"I was waiting for you," I continued. "I made dinner. I just wanted to be with you."

"I didn't want to upset you."

"But you did."

I felt like I was about to cry, so I stood up from the sofa.

"Sometimes I feel like your job is more important to you than I am."

Charles immediately became serious.

"Don't say that. You are very important to me."

"Then show it."

He couldn't find an answer.

Leo stood between us, looking from me to Charles. It seemed he didn't understand at all why his owners were speaking to each other in such voices.