Parenting Advice

(Set: Post-Cars 1.)

He, of all people, should've known that the season after a rookie's first big win is always the toughest. The stakes are higher, everyone is expecting more out of you (including yourself) and you have less patience in the smaller races leading up to the important ones. He knew how it felt, and the frustrations it brought.

And yet, he'd let his temper get the best of him when he scolded Lightning for not taking the opening events of the season as seriously as he should've. Doc pulled into Flo's lot in the early afternoon, with McQueen's "I'm not a rookie anymore!" still hanging in his mind. This time of day was the busiest in the town, as of late. The majority of the tourists were either shopping or taking tours, and the majority of the residents were serving them. The lot was almost entirely empty, save for Sheriff, who was parked by a pump and absentmindedly watching the bustle of the town.

"Mornin, Sheriff." Doc grumbled as he idled at the pump next to him.

"Doc." Sheriff responded, good-heartedly. Doc released an exhausted sigh as he settled into the concrete, staring at the ground below him like it owed him answers. Sheriff was quick to notice.

"What's eatin at ya, old man?" he asked, though they were around the same age.

"Oh, nothing much. Just forgot how challenging the life of a coach can be." Doc answered with a grin.

"Ah, having trouble with the kid, eh?" Sheriff laughed, as if it were obvious.

"Trouble should be his middle name." Doc rolled his eyes.

"What's he putting you through this time? More pit stop refusals?" Sheriff asked.

"Psh, I wish it were that easy. No, he's just getting in his head again." Doc answered, then added "Can hardly blame him, though. Can't say I didn't do the same thing when I was in his place."

"You know he idolizes you, Doc. No matter how much trouble he gives you, you know he kisses the ground you drive on at the end of the day. When it comes down to it, I know he'll see it your way." Sheriff offered with a well-intentioned grin.

"Yeah, I suppose you're right, Sheriff. Thanks for reminding me."

"'Course. And you know, even if he doesn't, one day he'll be old like us and then he'll see the error of his ways. Either way, you end up being right." he chided. Doc chuckled at him.

"We can only hope."