Not going to lie to you fan fam.. This one hurt to write. IT wasn't hard like I thought it would be.. But I also didn't go to far into detail with Lightning at the funeral this story. I just couldn't..
Lightning awoke to a knock on the door, but he didn't budge from his bed in the motel. He suddenly felt Sally shake him gently. "Lightning... Lightning, wake up babe." She called quietly. Lightning opened his eyes and rolled over to see her standing above him. "What is it?..." He asked. Sally sighed and smiled. "It's Doc. He's wondering if you feel like heading out to the track this morning." Lightning yawned and looked at the clock on the bed side table. It was super early in the morning. Close to five. Lightning stared at that clock for a while, enough Sally asked "I can tell him that you're still feeling the side effects of the medicine and that you would rather wait until we were back in Radiator Springs if you'd like?" Lightning looked up at her then sat up as he yawned again. "No, no.. I want to. Ow.." He grabbed his arm. His wrist was still killing him. He rubbed his eyes with his good hand then asked "I didn't do or say anything stupid at the hospital did I? Because I barely remember anything before the stupid fight in the garage." Sally stared a moment then answered "Nope, nothing. You just slept mostly..." Lightning stared at her because her tone hinted a lie. He was a little suspicious, but got out of bed anyway and said "Tell Doc I'll be right out please.. I'm going to shower and get dressed.." "Okay Stickers. Oh, remember to keep your wrist dry."...
Doc and Lightning pulled up to the track. Shanon drove them. The officials and track security stood out there and let them in. Lightning noticed the few cameras and the security and had to ask "Doc, what's going on? Is this all about yesterday or about your.. Announcement?.." "Neither. In order to get you and me on this track today, I had to talk to the President and wound up agreeing to a silly publicity stunt. We still get our practice and all, just.. On some tapes." "Not private?" Lightning questioned. Doc sighed and frowned before answering "No.. Sorry. But that means that they sent out and brought the hornet back here for us." "The Hornet? Your race car?" asked Lightning. Doc nodded. Lightning's eyes lit up as he asked "Does that mean?.. Are you? Are you going to drive?!" Doc smiled and nodded answering "I sure am. Just me and you on a real race track." "But after last time I thought it would be your last race?" "Oh I"m not racing." Doc explained. Shanon then butted in saying "Doc is only allowed to drive about fifty around the track a few laps. No more than ten, that's it." Lightning looked at Doc and smiled saying "I'll take it." Doc smiled warmly back at the younger man and nodded. "Alright than, let's do this." "Let's." Agreed Lightning...
The old coach and champion racer cruised down the track in the blue Hornet and the red Bolt for about six laps before they pulled into the pits. Cameras recorded them as they put on radios and Doc stood up onto the podium and Lightning drove back out onto the track. After a few laps he was joined by two close racers. Cal Weathers and Bobby Swift. Making a little staged race for Doc to coach Lightning through carefully. It felt good. Better than anything had in a long time to the racer. Having Doc talk to him through the radio and coach him, telling him what to do as Bobby or Cal would block, push and whip around him. Forcing Lighting to use strategies Doc had taught him throughout the years. The Lightning pulled the Bolt in and Doc handed him the keys to the Hudson Hornet. Lightning took the older race car out and gave it a hell of a run for a few laps. Letting Doc talk to him about how to drive and run the older race cars and explain the differences between the old and new generations, having Doc complain about some of the new changes and rules racing had taken on over the years. Sure, there were some good changes in safety, but also some crazy changes in rules and standards. Lighting soaked in every second, every word, everything Doc had to offer this day. He would carry this memory and treasure it forever in his heart and in his career...
Lighting parked the Bolt into the trailer where Minty waited. Lightning was surprised to see his Mother and asked "Mom? What are you doing here?" Minty hugged her son then announced "I'm going home Monty. I've stayed long enough this round, but.. I'll be back soon.." Her voice trailed. Lightning knew why and hated the reasoning behind it. "I love you Mom." He replied. Minty smiled and hugged her son even tighter. "Love you to Monty. I hate that Chad didn't get to come with me, but maybe one of the next trips. He would have loved to see you out there today." "Well, maybe next time." Lightning agreed. Doc walked up and he and Minty stared directly at each other. Doc sighed and asked "You heading home?" Minty nodded answering "I am, but I'll be back." Doc smiled a little. Minty walked up to the old man and hugged him tightly and tried not to cry as she said "I miss you already you old shit." Doc snickered replying "You take care of yourself Min." "You take care of yourself and drive Hudson." Lightning stared at his Mother and Doc. He'd never truly accept it and never truly remember that relationship the way Doc and Minty would, or at least the way Minty would. Minty patted Doc'a back then pulled away as she sniffled and wiped her cheeks from the quiet tears. "I'll see you around." She then looked at her son and said "Don't you forget to call me Monty." "I won't Mom." Lightning assured as he watched her go. Minty left. Doc sighed and he and Lightning stood there a moment quietly. Maybe they weren't sure what to say after that small, but painful goodbye. Doc then took a deep breath and instructed "Sit down Lightning. We need to talk." Lightning stared all wide eyed at his coach then did as he said and sat down on the couch in the trailer.
Doc walked over and sat next to the racer.. Placing his hands into his lap as he played with his old fingers. "Lightning.. You have to think about what happens next." "What do you mean?" Asked the racer. Doc looked at Lightning and explained "What happens once I'm gone." "Doc, no.. I don't, I don't want to talk about that." "That's too bad Rookie." "Why do you keep calling me that? I'm not a rookie anymore Doc! I have three cups of my own now." "And I hope for a fourth this season." Doc said with a proud smile. Lightning didn't smile back though. Doc sighed and continued. "Like it or not Lightning, this was it. I'm done coming to races. I hate it more than you do, but.. It's time you make a plan. If you want to keep racing, you have to prepare yourself for this." "You already gave me Leon..." "Yes, but... Did Rusty and Dusty talk to you about the temporary lay off?" "Yes, and I won't do that. I won't show weakness." "You already have. No one will blame you for taking a break from the rest of the season." "No. No, I need this Doc. I need the racing, I need the distraction.." Lightning admitted. Doc nodded and kind of understood. Doc then asked "So what happened with Ghar and Lou?" Lightning looked away before answering "I let them... I let them harass Sally a bit I guess. I didn't exactly mean to and I did stop them, but Sally wanted me to take it further and so.." "You told on them, didn't you?" Doc asked. Lightning nodded. Doc sighed and had to take a moment to think. "Sally is a smart woman, but.. She doesn't understand things like that. Maybe best to keep her off the tracks for a bit after I pass.." "Maybe.." Lightning admitted.
Doc placed his arm around his racer and continued "If you plan to continue into the playoffs, you will have to rest and exercise gently like crazy. It will take discipline Lightning. I talked to the President and along with some help from Tex and Strip got him to let everyone take a week off before playoffs. Means you have two weeks to rest and prepare for that first race." "You shouldn't have done that for me.. You should have let me be disqualified..." Lightning mumbled. Doc snickered replying "No way. Ghar has been fired and Lou is banned from the playoffs now. You shouldn't have any more troubles this season. I really want to see you win one more cup kid. I want to see you succeed further than I could. Three cups is great, but.. Four cups would be pretty damn impressive." Lightning perked up and nudged Doc asking "Hey, what ever happened to them just being empty cups, huh?" Doc chuckled answering "Still gets you some bragging rights, plus I don't want my legacy to die with you. You better hand it down to the next best racer and what's it say if I can only get you to be as good as I am? I have to make myself look good by making you win at least one over me, right?" "I guess." Lighting muttered. "Maybe you'll beat the King one of these days. Seven cups.. Now that's impressive." Doc joked. Lightning snickered finding that funny, but it was true. The two sat there in the trailer, in the dim lights, next to the car and in pure quiet for a moment. Both thinking about the future. Doc finally let out a sigh saying "Well, let's get packing up and head home. Home sounds really good to me right now.." Lightning nodded and agreed a little, but he knew with each passing week, Doc's death just grew closer and closer and he never wanted this to end...
The next night, Lighting and Sally lay asleep in their bed in their home of Radiator Springs. It was pretty late, they had only gotten back to town about nine hours ago. Bandit came in and scratched on the side of the bed with a whimper. Nothing at first. The young dog continued to whimper and pull at the blankets. Lightning woke up and looked down then growled in a groggy voice "Not now Bandit... Go back to bed..." The dog stopped for a moment, but then howled like barked this time. Lightning sighed as he sat up then patted the bed. "Come on, up." Bandit wagged his tail then jumped up and tried licking Lightning's face. Sally rolled over and glanced at the two then scooted over so Bandit could sleep between them. BBbbbzzzzz. BBbbbbzzzzz. BBBbbbzzzzz. Lightning stared at his phone. Bandit made it hard to read whoever it was calling by trying to still lick Lightning's face. Lightning gently pushed Bandit back and picked up the phone. Shanon. Doc. Lightning stood up out of bed and answered "Hello?... Yes. How is he this time?..." This caught Sally's attention and she rolled over as she sat up. Bandit crawled up into her lap as she listened to Lightning's side of the conversation. "Okay. Okay, yeah, yeah.. I'll be right over. Thanks Shanon. Yeah, bye." He hung up and stared at Sally and announced "Doc's in the hospital again." Sally sighed with heartache. She watched Lightning grab clothes and begin to change. "Are you going over there now?" She asked in a whiny tone. Lightning nodded answering "Yes. Doc asked for me." He changed clothes and grabbed his socks and shoes next. Sally thought about that for a moment. She looked at the time. It was a little past one in the morning and Doc didn't wait until closer to when Lightning would be up to ask for him to come over. "Stickers..." Sally called softly. Lightning slipped on his shoes as he sat in the bed and muttered "I know. You don't have to say it." Sally then asked "You want me to come by or.. Bring you something to eat later?" "Sure, if I don't call you sooner." He admitted. Sally nodded. Lightning stood up, leaned over and kissed Sally's lips before grabbing his wallet, phone and keys. "I love you." Sally called. Lightning stopped at the bedroom door and replied "I love you too.." Then left, heading to the hospital...
Lightning walked into Doc's room to see Doc on I-v's, an oxygen thing up his nose and stickers with wires placed all over his chest and other arm. "Hey Doc..." Lightning greeted. Doc breathed loudly as he weakly looked over at the racer. "Thank you.. For coming so early.." Doc said. Lightning pulled up a chair next to Doc and replied "Of course, anything you ask Doc." Doc snickered with a bit of a smile, but it led to a violent coughing fit. Doc grabbed the box of tissues next to his side on the bed and coughed into them hard. The sounds he made while coughing were rough and made Lightning cringe inside. Doc wiped some of the blood from his lips. Lightning stared and noticed Doc's nose bleeding. "Doc... Your uh.. You have some blood.." he paused and scratched under his own nose as a hint. Doc grabbed another tissue and wiped his nose of the blood then cleared his throat loudly saying "Thanks... Man.. I'll be glad when all of this is over." He admitted. OH how Lightning hated hearing that, but this time.. He didn't scold Doc for speaking like that. Doc cleared his throat painfully again then said "You listen Lightning..." As he panted and breathed heavy. "If you ever need help in your career... Strip is an excellent man, a great racer. My old trainer... Smoky.. COUGH COUGH COUGH... COUGH COUGH... He can help to.. He's.. he's back home." He had to take a minute or two to breathe. "Ramone and Flo... Have been married for a long time and.. They'd be good to go to if you need marriage advice.. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to help much in that field anyway..." He admitted as he gasped a bit for air. Lightning's eyes filled with tears. Doc was dying. Doc was dying before him. Doc reached out for Lightning's hand and Lightning obliged. "Rookie... You take care of Sally and the folks around here... Ramone knows what to do with... Once I'm gone.. COUGH COUGH.. COUGH.." Doc cleared his throat and wiped his mouth with another tissue. "He will take over as mayor for a while..." He explained. Lightning just nodded then said "You need to rest Doc." "I know... I know..." Doc muttered then did close his eyes to rest while holding onto Lightning's hand firmly. Lightning sat there for a long time, but eventually.. Lightning drifted to sleep as well...
"Lightning.. Lightning?" Sally's sweet voice called. Lightning opened his eyes to see a blurry version of his girl. He was asleep in the chair at the hospital again! Lighting jumped up and looked at Doc who was sleeping it seemed. "He's fine, just resting." Sally assured. Lightning let out a sigh of relief then looked at Sally asking "What time is it?" "Seven. I brought you breakfast and your medication for your wrist." She held up the small reusable shopping bag with some of the cafe food containers. Lightning sighed and stared at Doc a moment before nodding and saying "Thanks.. I.. I could use something to eat. Let's eat in the cafeteria though.." Sally agreed and the two walked down to the food court. Nice thing about being a celebrity in a small town is you can do a few things most places don't usually allow the normal people to do. Like bring your own food into the cafeteria of a hospital.
Sally and Lightning sat down at a table and Sally handed Lightning his meds and a bottle of water first then the container of to go form Flo's. "It's just some biscuits, gravy and eggs." She announced. Lightning shrugged replying "That's fine. You didn't have to bring me anything." He then took his pill with a sip of the water and opened the container. "How is he doing?.." Sally asked gently and softly. Lightning sighed and used the plastic fork to pick and play with his food before answering with a shake of his head. He began to eat and Sally sat with him there for a while. Lightning then spoke. "I forgot to tell you.. Ghar was fired now. Lou is banned from the playoffs.." sally nodded replying "That's good news. They deserve more than that and Ghar.. Sheesh." "What?" "You didn't hear? He's suing that Josie girl." "Seriously?" Lightning growled. Sally nodded and explained. "She came at him when he did nothing to her or to threaten her. She's going to lose." Lightning shook his head and snarled "Well I'll just sue him than." Sally stared and watched Lightning eat for a moment before asking "Are you sure there isn't something between you and.. Josie still?" Lightning stared at Sally a moment before swallowing the food in his mouth then answering "There's nothing between Josie and I. She's an ex. That's it." Sally still was insecure about it though. "Because she seems to really... Care... For you still." "Ben cares for you still. And that's way weirder than what Josie and I have going on." Lightning corrected. Sally sighed and dropped it. It wasn't fair if Ben was going to continue their yearly mourning visitation together anyway. "Yeah.. I guess you're right.." She admitted...
After he ate, they headed back to Doc's room to find nurses adjusting machines, turning some off and giving medicines to make Doc more comfortable. Doc was awake, but so tired and so weak. Lighting walked up to the end of Doc's bed and asked the nurse who was gently patting Doc's forehead with a cool rag "What happened?" The nurse looked at Lightning and answered "Just another coughing episode. We're giving him a sedation to help ease that though and make him comfortable." "Sedation!? You want him to sleep to death!?" Lightning shouted! Sally grabbed onto his arm to calm him quietly or rather restrain him. Doc then looked at Lightning and said "I... I asked for it.. The coughing is.. Worse.." He could barely talk and his voice sounded rough thanks to the episode. Lightning sighed and stared at the foot of the bed. This was it. This was the end. The nurses walked out and Lightning followed them, grabbing one's arm. She yanked away and gave Lightning a horrid expression. He quickly apologized then asked "How much time does he have left?.." She stared without answering. "Please..." Lightning begged. The nurse shook her head. "You will have to speak to his doctor for that sort of information Sir, I'm sorry.. I'll have him come up in a moment." Then she and the other nurse walked away. Sally stepped out and quietly called "Lightning..." Lightning looked back at his girlfriend. His girlfriend who had tears in her eyes. Lightning nodded and walked into the room to sit and be with Doc for whatever time Doc had left now...
Lightning woke up to see the room empty. Well except for Doc in the bed still. Lightning glanced at the machines. Heart still going. He wondered where Sally went. He grabbed out his phone to see an unread message from her.
Had to go to work, I'll call later to check on you and Doc.
-Sally
Lightning sighed and put his phone back into his pocket. Staring at Doc who was sleeping. He was pretty much always sleeping nowadays. If only that day out on the track could have lasted longer. Knock, knock.. The door opened and Doc's doctor appeared. Lightning didn't even bother standing and asked "How is he? What's the news?" The doctor looked at the machines and I-vs before sitting down next to Lightning in another chair then began. "He doesn't have long left. He's already signed a DNR and... He's made preparations for everything after" "Yeah, okay great, but.. How much time does he have now?" Lightning asked. The doctor sighed and answered honestly. "It will be any day now.. I told him before that he probably only had a few months and then after his last episode and some tests.. I told him a week or two if he's lucky." "He's known he wasn't going to make it past the next two weeks?" Lightning questioned. The doctor nodded, answering "Yes Sir. He didn't tell you.. Did he?" He asked. Lightning shook his head quietly. The doctor sighed and explained "Sometimes it's harder to tell the ones you love out of fear they might treat you differently. He had his reasons I'm sure.. I'm sorry... But I am making him as comfortable as I can through these last.. Days.." "How long? Days? Like hours possibly?" Lightning asked as his heart broke more and more. The doctor nodded and answered honestly. "Hours to a few days.. Maybe the week if he's lucky." Lightning broke apart and began to cry. "I'm sorry.. Do you want me to call someone for you?" "No.. NO, just.. Just. Is he going to wake up again before he.. Dies?" He asked as he began tapping or bouncing his knee like a crazy person. The doctor sighed and answered "There is no for sure there Sir.. He may sleep and.. Pass away or he may wake up and.. He will probably sleep a lot for the remainder of his time." Lightning whimpered and tried holding back the tears as he said "Please leave me alone.. Please.." Lightning pleaded as he cried. The doctor nodded and understood so got up and left.. Leaving Lightning alone as he wished with Doc...
Everyone from town that was there before the place was 'back on the map' came to the hospital late that night. They all gathered around their dearest friend Doc. Most of them in tears and sniffling. They came to say their goodbyes as it seemed Doc may not make it through the night. Flo and Ramone walked up and Flo leaned over and hugged Doc's still body as she cried "We are going to miss you Doc. Sniffling and crying. She then turned to Ramone for comfort who held his wife as he sniffled up his tears and snot. Filmore never said a word as he and Sarge stood near Doc's bed and silently said their goodbyes. Sheriff said "There will never be someone as good as you Doc.. You were.. The best... sniffle... Darn Mayor the town ever had.." He then stepped out of the room crying. Luige and Guido cried at the corner foot of the bed. Praying to Chrysler in italian to watch over Doc. Mater just cried pretty loudly, but no one stopped him because they all understood and felt his pain too. Sally wiped her eyes and then noticed.. Flo, Ramone, Mater, Guido and Luige, Fil, Sarge, Sheriff, Lizzie, Red was standing in the corner all quiet and tearing up.. Where was Lightning? Sally stepped outside in the hall to see him there. Sitting on the floor with a bag of corn chips.. Eating them and staring at the wall across from him. Sally cleared her throat to grab his attention then asked "What are you doing? Everyone's saying their goodbyes." Lightning just crunched down on corn chips. Motionless and emotionless it seemed. Sally questioned this with "Everyone is saying their goodbyes and you are here.. In the hall, on the floor?... Eating corn chips?" Lightning swallowed the chips down then looked up at her with so much pain in his eyes. Sally sighed saying "Okay... I see.." Sally then went and sat down on the floor next to Lightning and cuddled up next to him. She took the bag of chips and set them aside and scolded lightly. "You shouldn't stress eat Light.. And corn chips? Really?" "They do taste like cardboard.. And then they have this.. Dry like after taste that's.. So bad.." He admitted. Sally sighed and nestled into him. They sat there quietly together as they listened to the whelps, cries, whimpers, and sobs of those in Doc's room. Lightning rested his head on hers and softly said "I can't do it.. I can't say goodbye..." Sally grabbed his good hand and replied "I don't think you have a choice this time Stickers... We can wait until everyone else is done.." "Yeah.. I think that would be best.."... And so they waited for a few hours...
Flo and Ramone were last to leave. They walked out and saw Sally and Lightning on the floor asleep on one another. Flo sighed and said "Let me wake them up.." She knelt down and nudged Sally first and called her name. "Sally.. Sally honey.. We're leaving.." Sally opened her eyes and rubbed them as she woke up. She looked over at Lightning then asked Flo "What time is it?" "Eleven twenty eight." Flo answered. Sally yawned then shook Lightning gently saying "Babe.. Babe wake up." Lightning opened his eyes and glanced at Sally then up at Ramone and Flo. Ramone announced "Everyone else already left." "Oh.." Muttered Lightning. Sally stood up and Ramone lent his hand out to Lightning, helping him up off the cold floor. "You two should have come in sooner." Flo scolded. Sally sighed and explained. "We wanted to wait.." Flo and Ramone looked at Lightning. He looked rougher than anyone else here. Flo hugged Sally with a sniffle saying "You two call if anything should change or if you two need anything, you here?" Sally nodded and thanked her friend. Ramone wrapped his arm around his wife and motioned for them to go on. Lightning rubbed his hands over his face then looked at Sally who asked "Ready?.." "No." He answered, but it didn't matter if he were ready or not. The couple walked into Doc's quiet room. The old man was still passed out asleep. Sally sighed and closed the door behind them to give them privacy. Lightning stood at the end of the bed and just stared at Doc's sleeping body. No words.. Just staring. Sally stood next to her love and took his hand in hers for support. They would both need each other for the next few weeks to come...
The sports world lost a super star wonder this morning... And racing lost a legend.. The fabulous Hudson Hornet, one of Nascar's most famous and greatest drivers died after a long battle with cancer.. It feels like yesterday he was winning his final cup in 53. The legend won three cups over his career and dedicated his last years to coaching his protege, Lightning McQueen to carry on his legacy. Doc Hudson had hopes that he would coach his racing star Lightning McQueen into a fourth piston cup victory this year, but after many long days of battling cancer, the old legend finally gave out. This is surely one of the saddest days in racing and possibly the world today. Now Lightning McQueen has not made any announcement as to whether or not he will continue to participate in the playoffs yet and what he plans to do about the coming season without his mentor, the Hudson Hornet on scene. It is believed that new coach Leon H, will continue to work with McQueen until next season at the least. The President of the sport has already announced that he will be holding a moment of silence for the legendary race car driver prior to the first play off race at Chicagoland speedway though it is not clear if that will be a private event for racers and teams or for everyone wanting to pay their condolences to team 95 and Doc Hudson. Here is the announcement made by the President himself.
The world watched with heartache from all over... It wasn't just the states that hurt hearing the news of Doc's death, but it was mostly. And the old friends of Doc's home hurt too. Minty cried that night into Chad's arms.. Louis went out for a drink with Smoky and along with other racing buddies reminisce on old memories of Doc from back in the day.
...Today has to be a sad day for racing.. I want everyone to know that prior to the race.. I will be holding a moment of silence, gratitude, sending condolences.. To the legend and his team and driver.. I plan to attend the ceremony... I plan to.. Give team 95 any and all resources they need to heal in this time as this time of year can be very.. Very uh, stressful anyway to many racers and teams.. Racing lost another great man today and.. It's going to sting us all for a while..
Lightning shut off the radio and sat there in his garage with the vette that he still hadn't fixed back up. Doc was gone. Doc was dead. That's it. It was over. It was finally over. Now what?...
Tell me a story
and let's laugh like it's the only
thing keeping us alive.
Play a song
and give the stereo
permission to use its
outside voice.
Let's sing loudly,
offbeat and out of tune.
Let the world know
we don't care how it sounds
because the only key we need
is already in the ignition.
Let the sky turn the windshield
into a stage. Watch it dance like the scenery
is auditioning to be part of our story.
Let's just go.
Drive until our troubles
phantom in the rearview mirror
and we forget they exist,
at least
for a moment...
And that's exactly what he did. Lightning drove until his troubles were behind him for a moment. He drove until he could for a moment forget they existed. Lightning drove the Bolt hard around that dirt track that evening. Hitting the brake, riding the throttle, pushing the car to the red line, drifting and winging the rear around, turning right to go left and more. He took the race car off the track and through the desert. Taking the car where it would be pushed more and more. Using everything Doc ever taught him as a means to feel closer to Doc once more. Jumping, sliding, drifting, braking, gunning it hard through the sand and dirt! Revving the engine loudly through radiator Springs that night. That night, the race car's engine sang a song that everyone heard as it shifted up, shifted down, echoing through the night until dawn. This one was for Doc and it was as if Doc himself lit up the sky for Lightning that night with the full moon. Keeping the racer safe in his nightly drive, looking out for Lightning like he always did.. Sally stood near the window of their home in her robe, drinking some warm tea.. Listening to the engine rouring through the landscape. As long as that engine growled, Lightning was safe. Meaning he hadn't become so emotional that he lost control of the car and crashed. SHe would worry a little more now during his races. Just until he finally came back from this pain a little. Until they all did really...
Sally walked into the bedroom to see Lightning laying in bed. He wasn't sleeping. He was just depressed. "Lightning..." She called. Nothing. Her eyes teared up and she sniffled and called out again. "Stickers.." He turned and looked at her. She looked beautiful in her black dress.. Her hair up in a loose bun and dark makeup, but not too much in case she would cry a lot. Lightning sighed. "Are you going to get ready for the funeral yet?" She asked softly. Lightning looked at her and answered quietly "Yeah.. I'm.. I'll get there.." Sally nodded and stood there a moment. Not sure what else to say or talk about. "Okay.." She mumbled then left him be again. Lightning sighed and stared back up at the ceiling. What was he going to do now? Everything seemed so normal until he would think about, hey.. I'll go see Doc.. Or, I'll go talk to Doc right now.. He couldn't do that anymore. Doc was gone forever. Sally reappeared asking "Do you need any help getting ready?" Lightning sighed answering "Not really.. Just.. I'll let you know Sal.. Please.. I'm getting up and getting ready, okay?" "Okay.." She mumbled again then left him be again. Lightning sat up and stood up out of bed. He was broken. He had to be strong though. He had to finish this racing season for Doc. He had to win this season.. For Doc...
Lighting and Sally walked into the funeral home along with close friends. Including Minty. Lightning walked up to his Mother and hugged her tightly and let it out. "Oh Mom.." he whimpered. Minty hugged her son tightly, grabbing onto his black suit jacket and instantly crying "OH Monty.. I'm so sorry.." Lightning opened up and cried over his Mother's shoulder a little there. Sally rubbed his back a little bit as she sniffled. Lightning pulled her into the hug with one arm and wrapped his arms around his Mother and his girlfriend. (I won't lie, I almost wrote wife there.. Lol.. Not yet) "Monty.. Monty look at me baby." Minty called. Lightning pulled back and stared at his Mother, wiping his eyes from the tears and sniffling. Minty grabbed her son's face in her hands and said "You will get through this Mon. You can get through this." Lightning nodded and whimpered. Wiping his eyes. He knew he had better and soon. He had a race next week to prepare for! Even though Sally thought he should sit the playoffs out, he was choosing to race still. One by one, all the main folks of Radiator Springs came to visit and talk about past memories with old Hud. To talk about how they met him, loved him, what life and the town would be like without him. They cried together, they smiled and laughed a little together too. Soon they opened the doors to the public. Letting other racers such as the Weathers, Bobby and Jesse, Dale Jr and so on and so fourth visit the President of the sport, some older people and even a few fans. The only people not actually allowed were the news reporters, journalists and press... At the burial site, they all gathered for the painful moment of burying Doc Hudson. A preacher spoke a little and said a prayer. Flo sang a soft and delicate song as she cried. Another older woman sang a song as well as the friends all grieve together and cried as the dirt was placed over the casket. Sally noticed a woman not too far from where they were burying Doc. She nudged Lightning and pointed her out. She was young.. Short brown hair and was wearing a full black pantsuit with a large black hat that had a netting covering her facial features, but she seemed to resemble Doc. They would never get her name or know who exactly she was as she would be long gone before anyone could ask her...
Everyone slowly left the cemetary one by one.. Lightning, Sally and Minty being the last to leave. Lightning knelt down at Doc's tombstone.. Staring at the Hudson name.. Doc was gone.. He was really gone now. It happened and he survived it. Lightning placed his still slightly messed up wrist over the top of the tombstone and whispered quietly to himself. "I'll win for you Doc.. I'll win you that cup this year just as you wanted.." And he meant it with every fiber in his body. Sally only hoped he didn't kill himself for that win...
The poem was written by Rudy Francisco, 'Drive' He is an amazing poet and I love his books.
And after writing all of this, I went and watched some disney hudson hornet clips and then some Paul Newman films and I won't lie guys. I teared up hearing his voice. Paul was a great actor and a greater racer. And here are some of actor and racer, Paul Newman's greatest quotes from his career and life that most of his fans knew.
"Anything can be great. I don't care, brick laying can be great if a guy knows what e's doing and why and if he can make it come off." -The Hustler 1961 As Fast Eddie
"Money won is twice as sweet as money earned." -The color of money 1986 as Fast Eddie.
"Acting is like letting your pants down, you get exposed."
"Dreams without movement are delusions, escapes, kid's play. You have to put your feet into your dreams if they're ever going to be reality. The dreamers we know and love today are the ones who worked the hardest."