When Julius and Maverick emerged from the theater, the streets had quieted. The once-bustling sidewalks were now sparsely populated, and store owners were closing up for the night.
The soft hum of the evening surrounded them as Julius asked, "Where are we going next? Or do you want to go home?"
Before Maverick could respond, a voice from behind called out, "Marx? Is that you?"
Maverick turned, his eyes widening as he saw Cade—a familiar figure from his past—walking toward him with a broad grin, waving enthusiastically.
Cade, Maverick's old partner from night patrol eight years ago, had grown into a man now, just like him.
"Cade," Maverick said, a smile spreading across his face. What a coincidence, he thought. They hadn't seen each other in ages.
"It's been forever!" Cade exclaimed, reaching Maverick and throwing an arm around his shoulder in a friendly gesture. "How have you been, man?"
