Chapter 105 RESPONSIBILITIES

As the weight of his responsibilities bore down on him like an unyielding burden, Luke sought solace in the familiar comfort of his friend Max's company. It had been weeks since he last saw Max, and the prospect of sharing a few drinks and venting his frustrations sounded like just what he needed to take the edge off. He dialed Max's number, the familiar tones of the dial tone echoing in his ear as he waited for his friend to pick up. After a few rings, Max's voice crackled through the line, his tone warm and jovial. "Luke, my man! Long time no see," Max exclaimed, his voice tinged with excitement as he greeted his friend. "Hey, Max. It's been too long," Luke replied, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips despite the heaviness in his heart. "So, what's the occasion? You sound like you could use a drink," Max remarked, his keen intuition picking up on the subtle strain in Luke's voice. Luke hesitated momentarily, unsure of how much to divulge to his friend. He