Esteban had just turned 18 and his father had gifted him a shiny red Ferrari 355 Targa. It was 1995 and the car was the epitome of cool. It had sleek lines, a powerful engine, and the convertible top was perfect for driving along Ocean Drive in South Beach, Florida.
Alex, Esteban's best friend, was in the passenger seat as they cruised up and down the street, basking in the glory of the car's power and the salty ocean air. The car's interior was a feast for the senses, with the smell of gasoline and leather mingling together in a heady mix.
As they drove, they lowered the windows, enjoying the rush of wind in their faces. They were the kings of the road, the envy of all who passed by. But as they stopped at a red light, they heard a shout from a nearby pedestrian.
"Go back home to daddy! What are you doing with your daddy's car?" the man yelled.
Esteban was taken aback for a moment. He had worked hard to convince his father to buy him the car, and he didn't want to be seen as a spoiled rich kid. But then he decided to have some fun with the situation.
"Actually, my dad's car is a lot cooler than this one," Esteban replied with a smirk. "He drives a Toyota Corolla."
Alex burst out laughing at the snappy comeback, and the man who had shouted at them looked a bit embarrassed as he walked away. But the incident didn't spoil their fun. They continued to drive up and down the street, relishing the attention their flashy car was getting.
As they passed by other drivers and pedestrians, Esteban couldn't help but notice the envy in their eyes. He knew that not everyone could afford such a luxury car, and he felt a sense of pride in being able to drive it.
But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a bit guilty. He knew that his father had worked hard to give him everything he wanted, and he didn't want to take that for granted. He made a mental note to thank his father for the gift, and to let him know how much it meant to him.
As they continued to drive, Esteban couldn't help but think about how different his life had become in the past year. Just a year ago, he was a regular high school student, dreaming of owning a car like this one. And now here he was, driving it through one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Miami.
But he also realized that the car wasn't everything. He had his friends, his family, and his health. And those things were worth more than any material possession.
As they drove back to Esteban's house, the sun began to set over the ocean, casting a warm glow over the city. They pulled into the driveway, and Esteban turned off the engine.
"That was a great ride," Alex said, stretching his arms. "Thanks for letting me come along."
"Anytime," Esteban replied, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. "And hey, let's go for another ride tomorrow."
"Sounds like a plan," Alex said with a grin.
As they walked into the house, Esteban felt grateful for the experiences he had had in the car. He knew that not everyone was as lucky as he was, and he promised himself that he would never take anything for granted.
And with that thought, he headed to bed, dreaming of the next time he would get behind the wheel of his beloved Ferrari.
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