It Ends with Us, #2
It Starts with Us
by Colleen Hoover
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Five: Atlas
Overview
Atlas helps Lily finish moving out of her apartment and into his home, marking a major step in their shared life with Emerson and Josh. During the move, Marshall brings Emerson back from a visit with Ryle, and although Ryle stays in the car, the handoff to Atlas becomes an important sign that limited cooperation may be possible. Lily is moved by the moment because it suggests Emerson can have the adults in her life put her needs first despite lingering pain.
Summary
Atlas, Brad, and Theo work on clearing out Lily’s apartment as Lily moves into Atlas’s furnished house. Because Lily does not need many belongings, she donates much of her furniture and household items to a local domestic violence shelter, leaving only a few larger pieces to move with Brad’s truck.
Atlas reflects on how much has changed: Josh is at baseball practice instead of helping, and Atlas and Lily have attended all of Josh’s games between them. Atlas has gained custody of Josh, though their mother has barely participated in Tuesday dinners and has not attended Josh’s games. Atlas chooses to focus on what is going well: Josh has stability, and Lily and Emerson are joining their home.
While Atlas is loading the truck, Ryle’s car arrives with Marshall. Atlas feels dread because his last interaction with Ryle was hostile, but Marshall gets out, introduces himself, and carries Emerson to Atlas while Ryle remains in the car. Marshall explains that Ryle is still uncomfortable with Emerson moving in with Atlas, but he acknowledges that the situation is difficult for Ryle.
Emerson happily reaches for Atlas, and Marshall warns that she may be sick from a day full of sugar with Ryle and him. Before leaving, Marshall thanks Atlas for making Lily happy, saying Lily matters to Allysa and deserves that happiness. Ryle then drives away without speaking to Atlas.
Atlas sees Lily crying in the stairwell doorway. Lily explains that Ryle allowing Marshall to hand Emerson to Atlas feels significant because it suggests the men in Emerson’s life may be able to cooperate for her sake. Atlas recognizes the exchange as a painful but hopeful step forward, comforts Lily, and they continue the move with shared happiness about their future together.
Who Appears
- Atlas CorriganHelps Lily move in, reflects on custody of Josh, and receives Emerson from Marshall.
- Lily BloomMoves out of her apartment and feels emotional hope after Emerson’s peaceful handoff.
- EmersonReturns from a visit with Ryle and happily goes to Atlas during the move.
- MarshallBrings Emerson to Atlas, explains Ryle’s discomfort, and thanks Atlas for Lily’s happiness.
- Ryle KincaidRemains in the car but permits Emerson’s handoff to Atlas, signaling limited cooperation.
- BradUses his truck to help Atlas and Lily move larger belongings.
- TheoHelps with the move and teases Atlas about his relationship with Lily.