One of the most difficult things for humans to do is apologize to someone they hurt or wronged intentionally — and make it mean something.
For example, say you retaliate for a demotion by taking a dump in the drawer of a desk belonging to your boss. Everyone suspects it was you, but there’s no proof as to the perpetrator who committed this grave insult.
Eventually, someone you thought was a friend rats you out. Management calls you into the boss’s office to account for your crime — the consequences of which, if not horrifying, may at least be worrisome.