Lightning sat up with a bit of a groan. Sally quickly ran to his side and scolded, "You shouldn't be moving around too much. You might hurt yourself more. "The Doctor said I need to walk around as soon as possible. I feel great." He lied. Sally crossed her arms and raised a brow asking, "OH really? You feel fine?" Lightning faked a smile. "Yes." He muttered. Sally rolled her eyes. "Just don't push yourself. There is no reason to rush your recovery." She reminded. Lightning snickered, "Yes, there is. I have to get back out on the track as soon as possible." "YOu can not be serious, Lighting." "I am. Why wouldn't I be?" "Um... Because you were just shot. At a race track. Are you seriously wanting to return after everything we've been through?.." Sally seemed hurt. Her eyes were glossy, her nose red from all the crying she had been doing. Lightning stared at her. She eyed pleading him to do the thing he hated most. Retire early. Lightning sighed. Staring down at his hands in his lap. "Sal... I'm not quitting." "I never asked you to quit... Just... Maybe consider retiring early.." She mumbled. Lightning looked up at her. Silence stood between them. He could never do that. He wasn't ready. "I'm... I'm not ready for that." Lightning admitted. "I'm still a racer. I'm doing well. Four cups and.." "Four cups is plenty... You've proven yourself, Stickers.." "I don't care about proving myself." Snapped Lightning. Sally shrugged asking, "Then what else is there. We have plenty of money. And thanks to this job with Kaleb, I mean it when I say plenty." Lightning shook his head, "I can do more. I want to see where this takes me. I'm not retiring early because of a freak accident." "It wasn't some freak accident, Lightning. This person targeted you! What do you expect me to do if you die!? You can't be selfish about this anymore!" "ME!? I'm the one being selfish? DO you hear yourself right now, Sally!?" Lightning snarled. Sally only came back with, "YES!"

Which only made Lightning angrier ut he held his tongue. He was in pain and hurting and honestly he was afraid. Afraid about death. Death which he had been thinking a lot about lately. Knock, knock, knock. The couple glanced towards the door to see the doctor walk in. "How are we uh... Doing, Mr. McQueen?" He asked. Lightning answered, "Fine. Just fine and I'm ready to get back on the track." The doctor chuckled a little, "That's great news. Well, I'll help you up, and let's see how you do walking around. If all is well, I'll let you two go home this evening." "Really?" Lightning asked as he lit up. The doctor nodded. Sally then butted in with, "DOn't you think it's a little soon for Lightning to be thinking about getting back on the track?" The doctor glanced at Lightning then back to Sally before answering, "I mean... If he feels well enough, who's to stop him. He can-you can race as soon as you pass a physical. I'd give it at least three days though before you try." Lighting seemed happy yot hear it. "Great! I'll be ready for this weekend's race." The racer exclaimed. Sally's brows lowered. She did not want him back out there so soon. The doctor nodded then helped Lightning out of bed. Lightning slowly stood up and straightened his back. "Ow.." He whined. The Doctor encouraged Lightning to take these first steps slowly and aided him as needed. Lightning was quickly ab;e to take a few steps easily on his own but not without some pain. Sally sighed. She didn't want him racing so soon. Not until she felt he was safe out there. She needed to find some way to keep him from this weekend's race, but how?

Suddenly without even a knock, a police officer walked in along with a detective. The couple and the doctor stared at them. Sally asked, "Can I help you?" The officer introduced, "This is detective Jerry Wilson. He has a few questions for Mr. McQueen that can't wait." Lightning sat back down onto the bed. The doctor sighed and said, "I'll be back in a few hours." Then left. Sally walked up to the two men and asked, "Can I see I-d?" The detective showed her his badge then assured her, "I am only here to make sure we have the right man in custody and get Mr. McQueen's side of the story. You should wait outside, Mam." Sally crossed her arms and announced, "I'm his attorney." The Detective snickered with a half-smile. "Cute." He teased. "Fine." He growled as he gently pushed Sally out of his way and walked up to Lightning. "Can you describe the shooter?" Lightning shook his head, "Not really... He was wearing a trenchcoat and hat. I couldn't see his face... Lightish... Skin... I guess.." "Did you see the gun before he shot?" "No. Not until afterward." "Did he speak to you?" "Yes." "So what happened? What lead up to this?" asked the Detective. Lightning sighed. Take a moment to remember before answering, "Um. I bumped into him. ALmost. And. I apologized then he asked for my autograph." "Did he give a name?" "No. I asked, but he just wanted me to sign mine. So I did and then he talked about the Grand Prix before shooting... Me..." "What's this Grand Prix?" Asked the detective.

Sally stepped in with, "A race that Lightning was in. The Allinol scandal." The officer then asked, "The one about the guy who was going to kill racers just to ruin that fake fuel?" "Yeah, that was basically what happened..." Lightning then added, "He apologized for shooting me before he shot." The detective raised a brow and asked, "He apologized?" Lightning nodded. The detective sighed, "Anything else you can add that might be useful, Mr. McQueen?" "Yeah, he had an odd accent. Russian or german I think." "He had an accent?" "Yeah." "Are you sure?" Asked the detective. Lightning nodded. The man sighed as he glanced at the officer. Sally then asked, "You said you had someone in custody... Your partner did, I think." Wilson nodded, "Yeah, we'll be in touch." Then he and the cop left. Sally sighed and grabbed Lightning's hand tightly. Lightning smiled up at her and assured, "I'm fine. I'll be good as new in a few days. I promise." Sally nodded, but she just didn't want him racing so soon already...

The door to Lightning's room slung open! Sally quickly sat up from her cot in time to hear Minty shout, "Where's my baby!?" She and Sally looked over at Lightning who was somehow passed out asleep through that. Minty rushed over to him and stood at his side. Gazing down at her youngest son. Sally stood up and at the end of the bed. "He's okay." She assured her future Mother in law. MInty looked over at Sally with tears in her eyes. She gazed down at her resting son. Gently brushing his golden hair through her fingers. "Oh, Mon..." She cooed. LIghtning inhaled deeply before slowly opening his eyes to see his Mother. He seemed confused at first. Minty brushed her hand over his cheek and Lightning placed his hand over hers. "I could have lost you.." Minty began. "I couldn't lose another one.." She cried. Lightning was a bit sleepy still but managed to sit up anyway. "Ow... Mom... I'm okay." He assured. "Doctor says I can leave this evening." "Probably." Added Sally. Minty sniffled and wiped her tears. "Really?" She asked. Lightning nodded with a smile. Minty hugged her son. Careful with him but hugging him instantly brought on more tears. "YOu have to stop, Monty. Enough putting yourself in danger." She scolded. Lightning held his Mother.

SIlent at first. "I can't lose you, Monty. You did it. You proved to all those folks back home that you are better than anyone else. That you are more than what they said you'd be. It's time to do something else with your life, okay? It's time to stop racing." Lightning gently pushed his Mother away and argued, "No, Mom. I'm not done racing over this. This didn't happen because of racing. This was because some idiot decided to bring a gun to a track. It's not something that happens every day." Sally then stepped in, "But this did happen because of racing, Stickers... This wasn't because some idiot brought a gun to a track randomly. This man came because you didn't die racing to begin with. This man targeted you." Minty sniffled and asked, "Do you believe this, Sally?" Sally nodded. Lightning quickly argued, "She doesn't know anything about it. We both don't." Sally explained, "We know that this man had an accent. Much like the men from the Grand Prix. We know this man was talking of the grand Prix suspiciously and that he apologized before shooting. I know I'm not a cop, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that this man is probably one of Axelrod's guys coming for revenge." This did have Lightning thinking. Maybe it was because of the drugs for the longest time, but he never even thought of that! That this man was someone from the Prix and that he just wanted revenge. Fuck.

Minty snipped, "That settles it. You have to quit racing." LIghting glared at his Mother. "No, that's not what any of this means. The cops made an arrest. They probably got him in custody already. I just need to get down there and identify him and then you two can sleep well at night." Minty snapped! "Are you kidding me, Monty!? I am your Mother! If I say to quit, you quit!" Lightning raised a brow and asked, "When have I ever listened?" With a smile. As if he found it rather funny. Minty's brows lowered, "It's not funny and this is serious, Mon. You could have died! I almost lost you, again! IN less than two months, I've almost lost you twice! You need to stop thinking about racing and start thinking about more important things. Like Sally!" Sally's eyes widened as she quickly opposed, "OH no. Don't bring me into this, please." Lightning then replied to his mother, "I do think about important things other than racing." "SO when did you plan to retire?" "Eventually. Not yet though. I'm still not retiring because of this, Mom." "This is the perfect reason to retire early! Doc would want you to quit!" "YOu believe that?" "I..." Minty stopped as quick as she began. Did she? Well... Yeah. She believed that Doc would want Lightning's life out of danger over racing. "I do. I think Doc would worry about your safety over your career." LIghtning and Minty stared at each other for a brief moment before something in Lightning just snapped violently. "GET OUT!"

He yelled at his Mother! "GET OUT AND-and... Please just go.." He ended with a whimper. Closing his eyes and looked away. Ashamed of how he had just spoken to his Mother. Minty stood there a second. Shocked. "Okay.." SHe muttered with tears in her eyes. "Fine." She growled, "I will not stand by and watch you kill yourself for a car." She was furious with her son. Lightning didn't say a thing though back. Minty shook her head before adding, "If you do not quit racing, you are no longer my son." Choking on the words as they left her lips. She was hurt and afraid and angry. Those words cut Lightning deep though. He swallowed loudly. Still not even looking to his MOther. Minty snickered and scoffed, "Fine. Choose the dam car over family. You've been doing it for years." Before walking-no, stomping out of the room. Closing the door behind her. It fell silent in the room. Sally wasn't sure what to say after that. She could tell that hurt Lightning a lot though. Still quiet. Sally quietly said, "She probably didn't mean that..." Lightning looked at Sally and asked her something that made her stutter. "I'm letting you decide. Do you want me to retire early over this?" Sally stared a moment before stuttering, "I-I... You-I-you-you have to... What I-what-I want is... Is.." Her heartbeat quickened. "You need to... To... This is your decision. Not mine." She finally got out. LIghtning snickered and smiled a little. "I"m tired." He admitted. "I'm tired and. And I don't know what to do." His eyes began to fill with tears. "I need Doc." He whimpered. The tears rolled down his face. And then he broke. Crying hard. Falling apart in front of Sally. Crying loudly, bawling his eyes out. SOmething Sally saw only a few times. Mostly over Doc. Sally quickly ran to his side and wrapped her arms around him. "SSsshsshhhh... It's alright... I'm here, Stickers." She assured. Lightning fell apart into her arms. Crying his eyes out because he missed and needed Doc right now more than ever it seemed. "Sally, I want to die." He cried into her arms. This scared Sally. She never thought she would hear those words from anyone she loved and cared about. Especially not from Lightning! "What?.." She asked as she cradled him close. "Why would you say that? YOu don't mean that." LIghtning just suddenly opened up to her, "I hate it. I hate feeling like this." Crying harder if possible, "I just-I... I... There is a part of me the wishes I died. I'm sorry... I'm sorry.." He apologized over and over for feeling this way. Sally rubbed her hand up and down his back. Kissing his shoulder. "Oh, Stickers..." She cooed as her eyes filled with tears. It hurt her knowing he felt like this. "WHat's going on?.. You can talk to me... You know that." She reminded. Lightning just cried against her shoulder. Breaking and falling apart. "I'm sorry." He continued to apologize,

"I just can't do it anymore... I'm sorry... I don't mean it... I just... I'm sorry.." He cried. Sally just held him and tried calming him down. But it was still pretty alarming to hear LIghtning say such things. Sally tried looking him in the eyes as she spoke, "Stickers, it's okay to fall apart sometimes. I'm here, okay? For better or for worse, right?" Lightning seemed to calm down slightly as he looked at her and nodded. "Good." Replied Sally, "If you think you need it, we can talk to someone. A therapist maybe?" "I don't need a therapist." Lightning snarled. Pulling away he continued, "I just feel messed up right now." Sally lay her hand over his and tried understanding. "What do you mean messed up? Foggy? IF that's it, it's probably just the meds or"-"NO! Not foggy, just... I'm not me." LIghtning explained but it only made it more confusing. Sally sighed. Staring at him. At least he wasn't bawling his eyes out anymore. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Stickers..." She whispered. Then Lightning looked away. She didn't understand him. Not that he was explaining it very well, to begin with, but she wasn't very much help to him...

Sally stepped out of the room, closing the door behind her. Just on her way to grab herself a coffee and make a phone call when Chad walked up and asked, "Hey, how's he doing?" Sally sighed, "Not very good... I mean he's healing. He'll probably go home tonight but... There's something wrong. He's severely depressed and I'm really worried about him, Chad. He said he wanted to die." Chad's brows lowered. "Monty said that?" He questioned. Sally nodded. Chad sighed, "I want to talk to him alone anyway. Think that would be okay?" "Yeah, just show the officer here your I-d. Security purposes." Before heading down to grab her coffee. Chad showed his I-d then slowly entered his brother's room. "Monty.." He called quietly. Lightning looked over from where he lay and asked, "Where's Mom? Is she with you?" Chad shook his head, "No, it's just me for now." "Oh.." Chad walked up and began, "You know, I was just curious about why you had a different attorney reach out to me and ask me to sign some papers that made me your proxy instead of Sally but then on top of that, Sally just told me that you want to die. ANd now a part of me can't help but think those two entirely separate things are related. WHat's going on with you, bro?" He asked. Lightning frowned. Thinking a moment before answering, "I just... I hired another attorney a while back because I was afraid of Sally taking money. I just never fired her. And... I asked you to be my go-to guy in the case something happens because I know Sally can't handle it and if I'm a vegetable, I want you to pull the plug." "Monty, no. I'm your brother. I can't do that." "Yes, you can. YOu have to for me." "... Well... I signed it. So.. Hopefully, there never comes a day when Sally has to find that out. And what about once you two are married? WOn't she have power over me?" Asked Chad. LIghtning shook his head, "No, I already took care of that. You make all my medical decisions in the case I can't." "Alright... Now... What about this wanting to die thing? WHat's going on with you?" Chad asked softly. Careful not to make an argument with his brother.

Lightning sighed, "I don't feel like me anymore. I went to the race track as Lightning McQueen and I'm leaving this hospital feeling clueless." "You're depressed." "Yeah... I am. I almost lost Sally. I put my team at risk and... And I should be dead right now. All because I'm me. I'm better by myself. This is why I don't do teams. Someone always gets hurt." "Monty..." Chad began as he sat on the end of the bed. "Things are just tough right now. It wasn't because you were you. Those men targeted your fame... They just needed the name to die. They didn't care about you or Saly or your team, your family. They only cared about getting the public to see allinol as a villain. It worked. Not in the way they planned." "I need Doc to tell me what to do." "Why?" "Sally... I mean... I think Sally wants me to retire early and Mom has already announced that if I don't, she will disown me as her son. SO that's great. I gave the choice to Sally and she was no help. I just... I need Doc. Doc would know what to do right now.." LIghtning's eyes filled with tears all over again. Chad sighed. Thinking. He didn't know Doc like Lightning. Chad barely knew the old racer. "Mon.." He began, "I think you have a lot on your mind right now. I think you are a little depressed and have some anxiety from all this crap you've been pulled into lately. Have you talked to your doctor about the depression yet?" "No... I never really planned to either." THat made Chad snicker. "You can't tell Sally you wish you were dead and then not talk to the doctor at all. There's therapy and medications to help with these sorts of things." "Maybe.." "Maybe right. How are you doing? With all of this.." Asked the older brother. Lightning sighed, "I'm alright. I'll be fine I guess." "YOu guess? MOn, you're not going to kill yourself, right?" "No, I'm not. I just... A part of me wishes I did. Die... That is. I know it's wrong and selfish but I can't help it." "I'll stay as long as I can. And as for Mom, you know she was just upset. She didn't mean those things she said. YOu're her baby boy. She could never disown you." He snickered. Lightning smiled a little. Sniffling and wiping his nose.

Suddenly the door opened. Sally quietly walked in and announced, "The President, Kaleb, and his daughter are here. DIdn't know she was your rookie for the season." Lightning sighed, "I guess the President wants to talk about the track.." Chad smiled saying, "I can stay if you'd like." LIghtning nodded. Sally asked, "Want me to tell them they can come up?" Lightning nodded once again so Sally headed back out. Lightning quickly turned to his brother and asked, "Please don't tell Sally that I made your proxy." "I won't," Chad assured. It wasn't a few minutes later and Sally, Kaleb, Tiffany and the President all walked in. Tiffany walked up to Lightning's bed rather quickly and began, "Oh my god, are you okay? I can not believe that you were shot!? That is the craziest thing! I mean, I always hear about people bringing guns to events and shooting but knowing someone who was shot by one of those crazies!? Unreal!" "Tiffany!" Scolded Kaleb. Tiffany quickly lowered her head and took a few steps back as Kaleb apologized for his daughter. "She's a little on edge after what happened..." The President added, "We all are really. How are you doing, hotshot?" LIghtning smiled a little, "Good. Sore and tired but I plan on being back at the track this weekend." "Really? So soon? I was expecting a few weeks' recoveries." "Yeah, well. I'm Lightning McQueen. I can handle anything." This made the President chuckle a bit. "Good one. But I'm afraid unless you pass our physical, you won't be on any track. I have to ask you a few things by the way.." He muttered.

Lightning already knew and quickly answered, "No, I'm not using the track or going to make a fuss for you or the board. It wasn't anyone's fault but my own." Sally quickly scolded, "Stickers. We should talk about this before making any decisions... I can help you. The track should be held responsible for not keeping the place safe as they should standardly. If not you, it could have been another racer or worse, a few fans, kids? A young family at the track?" Lightning thought for a second before replying, "It was because of me. The track has probably already increased security and safety." The President nodded, "You got that right! I made sure of it myself." Sally just sighed. WIshing Lightning would just listen to her about one thing out of this. LIghtning then asked, "Was anyone else hurt?" Kaleb shook his head, "No, just you." TIffany added, "Seems like it only made you more famous too." She then pulled out her phone and opened up the news to show everyone, mostly Lightning, how he was headlining.

"Wow.." He muttered. "Kind of odd.." Then the officer opened the door and announced, "Sponsor is here." The President answered, "Let'em in." Rusty and Dusty quickly walked in and right up to Lightning's bedside. "How are you doing, kid?" Rusty asked. Followed by Dusty "You're gonna be okay, right?" LIghtning smiled, "Yes, I'll be fine." "That's a relief." Said, Dusty. Rusty nodded, "You can say that again." Lightning nodded adding, "I plan on being back this weekend." "Only if he passes a physical." Reminded the President. Rusty and Dusty glanced at each other then Rusty explained, "NO, you're not. My brother and I talked about it and we want you to rest." Dusty with, "Yeah, it's a done decision. Sally made it clear over the phone that you may be able to but that you were emotionally unavailable." LIghtning snapped at Sally instantly! "Are you kidding me?! Emotionally unavailable? Why did-what... I-I am fine, guys! I can race. Sally is being overdramatic and she is emotionally unstable right now because she's just worried. This is understandable but I can do this. I can race." Rusty sighed. Dusty continued, "Kid... We hate benching you but.. " "No. No, don't say it. I'm fine. I need to get back out there, guys. I need to race." Dusty frontend.

Glimpsing at Sally before continuing, "Kid.. Maybe next week.. We want you safe this weekend." And Rusty with, "Wait till you have your head in the right place." Lightning was furious with Sally. He would probably fight with her later about it too. just added, "If you are worried about the team and points, we could always fill the seat for the weekend." Lightning raised a brow. "Have someone else drive the Bolt?" he asked. Dusty nodded, "Yeah." Rusty with, "Someone you like." Lightning sighed. Thinking a moment before asking, "You really won't let me race even if I have the okay from the doctor?" Rusty and Dusty looked to Sally. Dusty asks, "YOu know him better behind closed doors. What do you say, Sally?" Everyone in the room stared at Sally. Sally just stared directly at her fiance. Lightning shook his head. He knew she'd say no. Sally frowned and quietly mumbled, "Well... Lightning.. You are an excellent driver and I want you to do what you want to do.." "Than let me race." LIghtning snapped. Sally sighed, "Stickers.." "NO! NO Stickers me. I did not work my ass off through every miserable day at the academy, live off fucking sandwiches and sleep on a pull-out my rookie year, work tirelessly every week to earn FOUR FUCKING CUPS! Just to be benched by my non-racing, barely Nascar knowledgeable-whatever girlfriend because she's worried! NO! She does not ever get a say in my career!" Sally lost it! "I AM YOUR FUTURE WIFE! I get all the say in your career! I do not want to lose you! I will not watch you die! You are acting ridiculous! This is one weekend, one race! You can relax and stay home for one fucking weekend! No, you will! You will not race this weekend, is that clear!?" SHe yelled! Everyone stared awkwardly. Lightning glared at her. Anger building. Everyone remained quiet as they stood there.

Lightning finally nodded with a growl, "Fine. I won't race this weekend." Everyone was honestly a little surprised. Lightning let Sally boss him around like that? Wow. Rusty snickered, "Well... That's that." Dusty with, "We can get a seat-warmer for the weekend I suppose.." The President smiled with an idea, "OH! We can have Tifanny drive! Who better to drive the Bolt than the one being trained by Lightning McQueen himself?" He asked. Lightning's brows lowered as he asked, "Wah, Woah... A rookie? Driving the Bolt?" Kaleb smiled proudly, "Now that's my little girl!" Tiffany just smiled with excitement. Rusty shrugged with, "I guess.. It would work." "Yeah. The guys back at Rusteze will love her." CHuckled Dusty. Lightning sighed. Rubbing his head from the oncoming headache. "Look, guys.. DO whatever you want. I.. I need to rest." Rusty nodded. Dusty with, "Yeah, you go ahead, kid. We'll talk soon." "Glad you are alright, Light." Said Rusty then the two headed out. Kaleb was quick to follow them to talk about Tiffany driving for the weekend.

Tiffany placed a hand on Lightning's shoulder and assured, "I'll take it easy on the Bolt. No worries there, Cheif." Then left the room. Chad sighed. The President crossed his arms and said, "Shame we won't have you this weekend but.. Look forward to next week, Light. Get better." THen he eft as well. The door closed and LIghtning instantly asked, "Why did you just make me look like the biggest and most whipped idiot in here, Sally?" Sally frowned, remaining silent as Lighting added, "What exactly did you tell me, and I mean MY sponsors?" Sally cleared her throat quietly then answered, "I told them what you had told me. I told them how you seemed emotionally unavailable and that even though physically you might be ready by this weekend that.. You are severely depressed and I am worried about you and your health. That sending you out without much rest might.. Might make you worse because you are in a bad place right now.." Lightning shook his head in disappointment. Chad butted in with, "Sally is just looking out for you, Monty. It'll be good for you.. I think you need this week." LIghtning nodded. Not saying a word as he was furious with Sally still. Chad sighed, "Well, I am going to go check on Mom. If you guys get to leave tonight, let me know and I'll drive you'll wherever you need to go." Sally smiled, "Thanks, Chad. Let us know how Minty is." "Will do. See ya, Mon." Chad said on his way out.

Lightning remained silent for a few minutes before finally asking, "WHat the hell gives you the right to make my decisions, Sally?" Saly swallowed nervously before answering, "I did what I knew was best." "Are you kidding me? Sitting off the track is not what's best for me." "Lightning, look yourself. Think about the things you just told me today. You broke down and fell apart today.." "And I'll never do that again." He assured rudely. Sally shook her head, "No, that's not what I mean. It's okay to fall apart sometimes but you... You need to relax.. Maybe take the rest of this year off even. You are so stressed out and depressed and in pain. Physically and mentally I believe. Doc's death was hard on everyone and especially you, Light.." Lightning just looked away. "I'm fine." He growled. "And taking me away from racing is not going to help me. Racing is therapy for me. Do you want to help me? You should have encouraged me and tried to help me heal faster." Sally frowned replying, "Why is racing is all you see? Are you just becoming that obsessed with it? You won. You are a champion, Light." "Stop. Just.. Just leave." "Stickers.." "LEAVE!" Lightning yelled! Sally stood there a moment before giving in and doing as he asked. Walking out of the room and leaving him alone for a while...

LIghtning put on his sunglasses and gripped the cane as the elevator made its way down to the bottom floor where he just knew he would be greeted by many, many fans and press. Upon opening, Miranda, his agent was there to greet. "Hey there, champ. Sorry I couldn't be here sooner. It took forever just to book a flight down here." "It's fine." Lightning growled. He and Sally stepped out of the elevator together and the three began to walk towards the exit. "There are at least fifty people outside waiting for you," MIranda announced Lightning sighed then stopped. "Great.." "DOn't say anything about the shooter," MIranda warned. Lightning nodded then handed his cane to Sally. Sally's brows lowered as she scolded, "You need to use this and take it easy." Lightning glared at her, reminding, "I'm already going to be taking it easy since I'm not racing this weekend. I don't want my fans seeing me that weak." Then continued to slowly walk towards the exit. Miranda raised a brow and asked, "So I'm guessing he's not happy about being benched, is he?" Sally shook her head and whined, "It's my fault.. I called Rusty and Dusty behind his back.." "They called me. I know the story. You did the right thing. I'm going to find the best therapist and get an appointment for him ready." "He won't go. He's already mad enough... He's stubborn. WOn't change his mind either." "Hmm.. Welp.. I'll try." Lightning stepped outside and was quickly greeted by the large crowd of strangers. All of them talking at once, cameras flashing, mics being pushed towards his face. Some fans holding up signs that read words of encouragement for him. He ignored the questions, the adoration, the praise, and the heartfelt encouragement.

He could feel his heart beating hard in his chest. Badum, badum, badum. Loud in his head. LIghtning took a slow and deep breath in then out. SLowly. closing his eyes briefly. Sally walked up and grabbed his arm, grabbing his attention. She tried handing him the cane but he refused. Pulling away and walking through the busy crowd and to the black limo waiting outside for him and Sally. Once he entered the vehicle, Sally was bombarded with the crowd. They began asking her so many questions all at once! "WHat'sMcQueen'sstrategy?""ISheafraidtoreturntothetrack?""WIllhebesueing?""DOyoufeelsafeattheraces?""Anycommentabouttheshooting?""Wherewereyouwhenthiswashappening?""WillMCQUEENmakeafullrecovery?!" Just.. So.. Many.. QUestions... Sally turned pale. SHe hated being in the center of this. It made her sweat nervously. Thankfully, even though he was still furious with her, LIghtning noticed and got back out of the vehicle to save his fiance. He walked up to the crowd and loudly spoke, "Hey, everyone!.. Thanks for coming out.." HE began and grabbed all of the people's attention thus giving Sally room to breathe! "I'll be happy to answer some of your questions now but I should get home and rest. I'm kind of sore and.. Tired from the medications." Immediately, people began shouting different questions all at once. Lightning sighed. He could barely understand any of them. Managing to hear a few like, "WIll you be back by this weekend?" He answered with, "Uh, no.. I'm afraid I'll miss out this weekend. I think Rusteze is putting someone else in the driver seat though to keep the team in tip-top shape for my return." "Are you expected to make a full recovery?" asked another.

Lightning nodded with a, "Yes. I will and I'll be back to the track before you know it." "So you don't plan on retiring?" Asked one. Lightning shook his head and faked a laugh, "Are you kidding me? I'm the best driver out there. You think I'd quit?" Everyone asked things all at once. But LIghtning's expression changed. Everything began to sound foggy and confusing. Lightning's brows lowered as his expression made him look confused. He closed his eyes and shook his head a little back and forth. Trying to clear his mind. His head began to hurt. A ringing in his head made his eyes clench. Sally noticed and stood beside him, telling the crowd that they should go and Lightning needed rest then helped him back into the limo. Inside there, Lightning just leaned against the back seat. He was depressed. Sally stared at him. She wished she could help him. He was just really hurting and right now a little angry with her. SO she was just quiet and let him be for now...

Lightning opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling above. He felt hot. Covered in sweat and pain. He groaned as he awoke further. WHining as he rolled onto his side. "Fuck.." He mumbled. He was in a lot of pain. Maybe it was a good idea to take this coming weekend off. Lightning placed his hands on his bandaged wound. It hurt. More inside and more like he was punched a million times in the gut. I mean, he was just shot but still. Lightning wimping called out, "Sally.. Sal.." It wasn't a few seconds later and she walked in and knelt at the bedside. "What's wrong? Are you okay? Should I take you back to the hospital?" Lightning shook his head, answering, "I just need the pain killers.." Sally nodded then rushed to the dresser in their motel room and grabbed his pain killers, antibiotics, and inflammatory, and laxative medications. "Here." She placed them all on the bedside table. "It's time you take all of these anyway." LIghtning glanced at the four pills. One was rather large. He sighed and asked, "Are these on the approvals?" "Does it matter?" Sally snapped. "I"ll go grab you water. Be right back." She added and left. LIghtning slowly sat up. His head ringing. It was going to be a long and painful day. Great.

He grabbed the pills and stared at them in his hand. He didn't want this but he knew he better take them. Sally returned with water and handed it to him. "GO ahead" She ordered. Lightning glanced up at her then popped two with a sip than the rest with another. "There." He growled and placed the glass on the bedside table. "Happy?" He asked. Sally nodded with, "Very." Then sat next to him. Leaning her head over his shoulder. "I love you." She cooed. Lightning sighed, "I love you too... Sorry I was so grouchy yesterday. I was just in a lot of pain and"-"And you said you wished you died." She reminded. Lightning sighed. "Yeah.. I didn't mean it." "Are you sure? Lightning, if you are.. Suicidal or in.. That severity of depression, we can get help." "I'm not. I'm.. I"m just.. I'm.. Hurting." "HUrting?" Sally questioned, trying to understand. Lightning just shrugged. "Yeah, hurting. I don't know. I'm not going to kill myself. I'm not stupid. I love you and I couldn't do that. Plus, I do love my life, I'm just.. You and Chad are right... Things are just really tough right now and.. ANd it's been a lot. Between Doc's death, the Grand Prix, and now this?.. I can't handle it anymore. I"m.. I'm afraid." Sally wrapped her arms around him and thanked him for opening up to her as she knew he needed to.

"We can get a therapist. Someone you can talk to that can help properly with all of this stress." Sally suggested. Lightning shook his head disagreeing, "No, I don't need a therapist. Racing is like therapy to me, Sal. DOn't you get that? Racing gets me close to Doc. Racing helps me relax and forget about things that stress me out. Like how you had a gun to your head!" He reminded. Sally nodded and apologized, "I'm sorry... I didn't.. I didn't mean to keep you from racing, I just really think, I thought that"-"I know. I know what you thought and I understand why you did it. I just.. I wish it didn't have to happen.." "SO you're not mad?" "At you? NO. How could I stay mad at such a pretty face?" He teased. SMiling as he gazed into her eyes. Sally smiled and rolled her eyes before the two leaned in and kissed softly. Their lips parted quietly and for a moment, Lightning felt relief. Which lead him to make a drastic but much-needed decision for himself. "I think.." He began, "I think what's best for me and us right now is for me to take a temporary break from racing." Sally smiled, "Good. I'm glad you see it my way. Besides, you will be back within two weeks. A break is just what you need. Taking some time for yourself might be good for you." "No, I mean.." Lightning sighed with a frown. "It's not because of this." Referring to his wound.

"It's everything. Getting shot at and the grand Prix crap and then.. Doc.. I'm.. I'm not okay. I'm not.. I'm not okay to race like this. It's only going to get worse at this point. I don't want a therapist but I... I don't think I can do this alone. Not to mention, we're supposed to be getting married in a few months." He reminded. Sally raised a brow and asked, "So?.. Do you want to retire? Is that what I'm hearing?" Lightning snickered, "Not exactly but.. Are you going to support me? NO matter what I do?" He asked. Sally nodded with a smile. "Yes. I've always supported you, Stickers. Just.. I'm going to have opinions and suggestions. Your decisions and actions do not just affect you. Especially once we start trying for a baby." Lightning forgot about promising that. About talking about trying once they were married. So he continued, "But think I need to take a leave for the rest of the season." Sally's eyes widened. That was a big deal for any racer. Leaving the beginning of the season and not planning to return until the next could be deadly for his career, his sponsors. And for this to be coming from Lightning?! Sally was shocked! "Are you sure, Stickers? Because no one said you have to quit the season." "I'm sure. I mean I have to talk to Rusty and Dusty first.. I guess... I've just thought about it a lot last night while I couldn't sleep. I don't know if I want to go back right now. I'm so.. Tired." He admitted. What he meant was that he was so depressed he felt tired. Sally hugged her love. Trying to cheer him up with her touch. It worked a little but Lightning had thought about it overnight and thought he hated it. He felt this was the best decision for him, his health, his mind, his family and team, and especially for Sally...