With the impending graduation from high school, four closest friends had to confront the painful truth of saying goodbye. They agreed to meet again at Santa Monica beach forty years later, determined to stay in touch. But when one friend failed to show up, the much-anticipated reunion took an unexpected turn, starting a quest to find out what really happened.
After high school, Ben, Todd, Willie, and Karl were all soaking up the sun on Santa Monica beach, but they also knew that they were going to be parting ways soon. They agreed to get together again at the same location forty years later out of desperation to avoid talking about their uncertain futures.
With the passage of time, Willie’s suggestion to start a monthly letter exchange and yearly reunion served as the glue that united their disparate lives. However, as June 11, 2017, drew nearer, Karl’s noticeable disappearance and enigmatic actions caused worry.
Karl was not there to share in the excitement of Willie, Ben, and Todd’s arrival on the day of the reunion. In the midst of their despair, Todd’s neglect revealed a message under the bench that detailed Karl’s hardships, his fake success, and his regret for missing the event.
The friends discovered that Karl was only projecting an image of success and wealth. After suffering misfortunes, wounds, and a broken relationship, Karl made up a complex tale out of embarrassment and a desire to spare his friends.
After becoming aware of Karl’s difficulties and their own inability to assist him, Willie, Ben, and Todd made the decision to get Karl medical attention and made a commitment to help him start over. Karl had an amazing experience and the friendship was strengthened when the buddies went on a trip of Spain.
The pals vowed to get together every year on June 11 at Santa Monica beach before leaving for Los Angeles. This time, the commitment was accompanied by a promise to communicate happiness and sadness honestly and openly, reinforcing the enduring value of genuine friendship.