When Cassie returns from a retreat with her spouse and child, she enters her house to find a mysterious note from her mother, urging her to watch a video. As Cassie hits play, her entire world shifts. Ultimately, she’s left pondering which of her parents deserves forgiveness.

To me, my father was faultless. He fulfilled every role I needed him to, and then some. A frequent traveler for business, he always made time for me.

“You’re my little princess, Cassie,” he’d say, gently tapping my nose. “You’re the most special.”

Despite their busy schedules, my parents made it a point to have family dinners.

It kept me grounded, especially as my friends’ parents went through messy divorces.

“I think it’s a new trend,” I quipped to my mother over some homemade banana bread.

“Cassie, divorce isn’t something to joke about,” she chuckled. “It’s painful, traumatic, and rarely easy.”

“I just meant it’s becoming more common,” I clarified. “Kids living between two homes, you know?”

Little did I know, my words seemed to cast a strange shadow over our home.

Shortly after, my father went on a business trip. Hours later, we received news of his passing.

“How?” I demanded. “What happened?”

“I’m not sure what to say, Cassie,” my mother replied, visibly shaken.

“And now?” I asked. “What about the funeral?”

“I think we’ll skip it,” she said. “Your dad wanted a simple ceremony by the beach. Let’s honor his wishes.”

Initially, I didn’t understand her decision. But as time passed, the idea grew on me.

“You’re being difficult,” my mother chided, noticing my pensive expression.

“I’m not,” I insisted. “I think it’s a good idea.”