Gunther never asked about that part of Jackie's life. The one that was ripped out of the picture she kept by her nightstand.
He's had a theory since the first time he saw it, but at that moment something told him not to ask.
Maybe things would've been different if he had.
"I always wondered what kind of man my daughter would choose." The man says, "If she would deliberately look for someone the complete opposite of me."
Jackie's father isn't plain by any means, but he's also not the type of man who looks as if he could have two women at once. Maybe it's because he looks defeated, like he's still grieving for the child he lost at sea.
It's funny, Gunther thinks, that none of this man's children look like him.
"I would've thought she'd fall for your friend, the daredevil."
"Maybe in another life she would have."
The man falls silent at that, and Gunther thinks it's because the man recognizes that they'll never know the many different paths life could've taken, they will only know the one they walk on.
One where someone so precious to the both of them is further away than they'll ever be able to reach.
"She wanted me to apologize, you know. To her mother."
Gunther remains silent. Waits for this man to speak what he has held as a burden for so many years.
"I didn't know she was listening, that day. But I'm not sure if I would've been more careful with my words if I'd known. I've always been vindictive… more willing say things that hurt when I'm angry or upset. But Jackie never did that, even when she was within her right."
No, Gunther silently agrees, her heart was like her mother's.
"It felt like I was backed into a corner, when she demanded I choose when I wasn't ready too." The man sighs, setting his hands on the railing as he watches the horizon, "I know it's not an excuse, but that's how I felt… then I lashed out, and my daughter's hated me ever since."
I don't know that she hated you… but I never asked, and she was never willing to share.
"It's been years since that day she confronted me… and even after the accident I still couldn't find the courage to speak with my ex-wife…"
A beat passes. Then another. And for a moment Gunther wonders if he should say something, but the man suddenly reaches out and drops a flower into the sea, "She forgave me, when I asked. I hope my daughter's spirit will know, and find peace if she hasn't yet."