diff --git a/backend/forum.py b/backend/forum.py
index ae272af..92dd41c 100644
--- a/backend/forum.py
+++ b/backend/forum.py
@@ -95,22 +95,22 @@ async def reply_to_post(thread_id: int, data: PostCreate):
         if thread.id == thread_id:
             parent = thread
 
-    if parent:
-        id = len(POSTS) + 1
-        author = data.author
-        title = data.title
-        content = data.content
+    if parent is None:
+        return {'error': 'could not find parent thread'}
 
-        # Create post
-        post = Post(
-            id=id,
-            thread_id=parent.id,
-            author=author,
-            title=title,
-            content=content
-        )
-        POSTS.append(post)
+    id = len(POSTS) + 1
+    author = data.author
+    title = data.title
+    content = data.content
 
-        return post
+    # Create post
+    post = Post(
+        id=id,
+        thread_id=parent.id,
+        author=author,
+        title=title,
+        content=content
+    )
+    POSTS.append(post)
 
-    return {'error': 'could not find parent thread'}
+    return post