"Memorial" unravels the intimate tale of Benson and Mike, a couple grappling with the ambiguity of their relationship and impending life choices. Set in Houston, Mike, a Japanese-American chef, and Benson, a Black daycare teacher, confront the strain on their bond when Mike learns of his father's imminent death in Osaka. The plot splits as Mike journeys to Japan, evolving amid discoveries of family secrets and self-identity, while Benson finds himself housed with Mike's visiting mother, Mitsuko. This awkward cohabitation sparks Benson's own introspection. Through humor and heartache, Washington's narrative explores the complexities of love, the challenging quest for self-discovery, and a surprising odyssey towards acceptance and vulnerability within the concept of family.