CHAPTER 67 NIGHT CAP

As Luke settled into his seat at the bar next to Max, he couldn't help but notice a subtle change in his friend's demeanor. There was tension in the air, a restlessness that seemed to emanate from Max's very being. "Hey, Max. What's going on, man? You seem a bit... off," Luke remarked, concern evident in his voice. Max heaved, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass as he stared into the amber liquid before him. "It's just... everything, Luke. Being a dad, work, and life in general. Sometimes it all feels like too much, you know?" Luke nodded sympathetically, understanding all too well the pressures and responsibilities of impending fatherhood. "I hear you, buddy. It can be overwhelming at times. But we'll get through it together." Max gave him a half-hearted smile, but Luke couldn't ignore the sadness in his eyes. "I'm not so sure about that, Luke. Sometimes I feel like I'm suffocating, like parenthood is some prison sentence I'm serving." Luke's brow furrowed in co