Maverick arrived outside Lawrence's office, ready to invite him to dinner to discuss some work-related matters. But as he stepped inside, he found Lawrence slumped over his desk, fast asleep with his arms folded underneath him.
Maverick closed the door quietly and moved closer, gently shaking his uncle's shoulder.
"Uncle, wake up," Maverick said softly. "If you keep sleeping like this, you'll—"
Lawrence jolted awake, startling Maverick with his sudden movement. He blinked, disoriented, and looked up to see Maverick beside him.
"Oh, Maverick," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. "You came to visit me. What time is it?"
As Lawrence's face came into full view, Maverick took a step back, a flash of shock evident in his eyes. His uncle looked as if he had aged years in a matter of months.
Dark circles hung heavily under his eyes, and thin streaks of white hair were now visible near his temples.
