Dylan approached, attempting to make light of the situation. “Come on, Claire, it was just a joke! Everyone’s going to think it’s hilarious online!” he said, still chuckling. His inability to grasp the seriousness of his actions only deepened the gulf between us.

“Dylan,” I said, my voice firm despite the chill of my damp dress. “This isn’t about the video. It’s about what you did and what it shows about us. I told you not to. You promised you wouldn’t. And then you did it anyway.”

He opened his mouth to respond, but my father interjected. “This isn’t a conversation, Dylan. This is a conclusion,” he said, his voice calm but final.