When a mysterious package arrives at Kate and Josh’s home, they are confused to see the sender is Josh’s estranged father. Things get stranger when Josh finds a ticking box inside the beautiful pillow. Josh confronts his father, battling with whether to forgive him or act like their relationship is nonexistent.

Josh had just taken their daughter Emily for a stroll when the doorbell rang. I signed for the package, assuming it was from Josh for our anniversary.

Until I opened it—a beautifully embroidered pillow with a note: “Happy Anniversary, Josh and Kate! – Taylor.”

Josh, returning with Emily, asked, “What’s this?” I explained, and his face darkened. Josh and his father had a complicated history; Taylor had abandoned him and his mother when Josh was seven.

Josh felt the pillow and heard ticking. “We can’t keep this!” he exclaimed, throwing it outside. “It’s ticking, Kate!”

We both went outside, and Josh tore the pillow open, revealing a small box with a timer. “Call him,” Josh said.

“Hi, Kate,” Taylor answered. “Did you get my package?”

“There’s a ticking box inside,” Josh said.

“It’s just a gesture,” Taylor assured. “It opens on your anniversary.”

Josh, conflicted, decided to open it. Inside was a check for $100,000. Taylor called back, revealing he was dying and wanted to make amends. Josh agreed to talk, arranging to meet at a park.

When they met, Taylor, looking frail, apologized. “I want to spend my remaining time making amends.”

Josh sighed. “It’s not easy, Dad, but I’m willing to try for Emily’s sake.”

As we left the park, Josh squeezed my hand. “Maybe it’s good that pillow showed up after all.”