Nearly two hours after unexpectedly running into Atlas, Lily is still shaken while working at her flower shop. The busy morning keeps Lily from eating or processing the encounter, and Lily feels self-conscious about having seen Atlas while exhausted and messy from caring for Emerson.

While preparing apology roses for a customer, Lily thinks about how apologies once carried darker meanings in Lily’s own marriage. A text from Ryle asking whether Emerson can eat French fries interrupts Lily’s thoughts and reminds Lily that Ryle remains a constant complication in her life, especially if Lily tries to reconnect with Atlas.

Lucy arrives at the shop upset about wedding-planning problems, and Lily briefly talks with Lucy before asking Lucy to cover the store. Lily leaves for an hour of solitude because Lily needs space away from work and parenting to sort through her feelings.

Parked near Boston Harbor, Lily writes a letter to Ellen. Lily explains that Lily saw Atlas that morning, wants to text Atlas, and misses the way Atlas makes Lily feel, but Lily has not yet told Ellen about divorcing Ryle after Emerson’s birth.

In the letter, Lily recounts deciding on divorce to break the cycle of abuse for Emerson. Lily explains the custody compromise with Ryle, the limits of what the legal system could guarantee, and Lily’s fear that Ryle is cooperating partly because Ryle still hopes to win Lily back.

Lily admits that Lily hopes to move on toward Atlas but fears Ryle’s jealousy and potential disruption. Because Ryle is Emerson’s father and will always be part of Lily’s life, Lily worries that choosing happiness with Atlas could create conflict, so Lily ends the letter unsure whether to text Atlas yet.