Ep 7. Two for the Road

Cathy has been through a lot in the past few months. She's been diagnosed with cancer, started a new diet, and been trying to figure out how to tell her family and friends. In this episode, "Two for the Road," Cathy takes a road trip with Marlene, her eccentric neighbor and newfound friend. The two women embark on a journey to visit Cathy's estranged father, who they believe can help Cathy make some sense of her life.

The episode opens with Cathy and Marlene driving down an open highway, just like in the movies. They're listening to music, singing along, and eating junk food. Marlene seems unusually cheerful, but Cathy is nervous about seeing her father. She hasn't seen him in years, and isn't sure how he'll react to her illness.

As they drive closer to their destination, Cathy and Marlene talk more about their lives. Cathy shares some of her childhood memories of her father, and Marlene tells Cathy about her husband who died of cancer a few years ago. The conversation is intimate, honest, and reveals a deep connection between the two women.

When they finally arrive at her father's house, Cathy is hesitant to go inside. Marlene encourages her to be strong, but Cathy is still unsure. When they knock on the door, the man who answers is not what Cathy expected. He's rough around the edges, and his house is cluttered and messy. He seems surprised to see Cathy, but is ultimately welcoming.

The father/daughter reunion is emotional, but also a bit awkward. Cathy's father seems concerned about her health, but doesn't quite know how to express it. They talk about old times, and Cathy asks him for advice, but it's clear that their relationship hasn't fully healed.

Meanwhile, Marlene is getting into trouble. She sneaks around the house, looking for evidence of any wrongdoing. When Cathy's father catches her, Marlene lies and says she was checking to make sure the house was secure. Cathy is frustrated with Marlene's behavior, but Marlene insists that she's just trying to be helpful.

As the day goes on, Cathy and her father seem to get closer. They go for a walk together, and Cathy opens up to him about her cancer. The conversation is difficult but cathartic. They discuss their regrets, and Cathy's father apologizes for the mistakes he's made in the past.

Back at the house, Marlene's antics have escalated. She's discovered some alarming information about Cathy's father, and has decided to confront him about it. Cathy is mortified, but Marlene insists that they have to get to the bottom of things. When they confront Cathy's father, he becomes defensive and angry. The reunion has taken a dark turn.

As the sun starts to set, the tension in the house reaches its peak. Cathy and Marlene decide to leave, having accomplished what they came for. Cathy's relationship with her father may not be perfect, but it's clear that there is still love between them. Marlene may be a bit of a wild card, but Cathy knows that she can count on her as a friend.

The episode ends with Cathy and Marlene back in the car, driving away from the chaos of the day. They're tired, but also happy to have shared such an experience together. The road ahead may be uncertain, but they know that they have each other's backs.