chapter 82

### Kelsey's POV

Walking out of the gym with Mario felt like a small step toward reclaiming a part of myself that I had locked away. The night air was cool and refreshing, and as we headed to Mario's house, I felt lighter, like a burden had been momentarily lifted from my shoulders.

"Some of the guys wanted me to ask if you would come race again," Mario mumbled as we stepped into his house. "You know it's been a while, dude."

Racing. It had been ages since I last felt the adrenaline rush of a race, the roar of engines, and the sheer exhilaration of speeding down a track. It was another sanctuary of mine, a place where the world melted away, leaving only the need for speed.

"Sorry, man. I'd love to come. I guess I've been locked up for a while," I said with a chuckle. "I mean, my brothers are having fun while I'm here, stuck in my head."

Mario grinned. "Well, tonight's the night we change that. There's a big race happening at the old airstrip. Everyone will be there. It'll be like old