As Max woke up, he stretched with a grin, feeling lighter than he had in years. “No budgeting, no calculating shifts…” he murmured, staring at the ceiling. “So this is what freedom feels like.”He sat up, glancing at his worn-out sneakers by the door and laughing. “Well, guess it’s time to treat myself. No cafeteria lines today—let’s go somewhere extravagant. Somewhere… off-limits,” he whispered with a smirk.As he dressed, a thought crept in. “Any restaurant, any meal, no more checking prices.” He shook his head, still marveling. He decided against the cafeteria and dressed up, calling for a taxi to take him somewhere he’d always dreamed of going. “Brightwood shopping center, please,” he told the driver, a hint of excitement in his voice.The driver glanced at him through the mirror. “Big place. Got some fancy plans for the day?”“You could say that,” Max replied, smirking to himself. “I’m thinking of treating myself to the best lunch they’ve got.”The cab pulled up to the towe