Nearly a year after Emerson's birth, Lily pushes her daughter through Boylston Street, late for a handoff with Ryle. Emerson is eleven months old, happy and calm, and Lily reflects that she has moved out of the apartment Ryle bought and into her own place near work. Ryle has returned to his apartment, while Lily continues to see him often because of co-parenting and visits with Allysa.

While hurrying through the crowd, Lily nearly runs into a man and then hears Atlas call her name. Seeing him affects Lily deeply, and Atlas is visibly moved when he realizes Emerson is Lily's baby. Lily explains that Emerson is sometimes called Emmy, and Atlas gently interacts with the baby before Lily says she is late because Ryle is waiting.

Atlas shows sadness at Ryle's name, but Lily clarifies that it is Ryle's day to have Emerson, signaling that Lily and Ryle are no longer together. Relieved, Atlas tells Lily he recently opened a new restaurant on Boylston. Their exchange turns awkward, and Lily leaves, but the encounter unsettles Lily because there is something important she has not said.

Lily reaches Ryle outside her flower shop. Ryle warmly greets Emerson, asks about an email concerning a playpen, and helps load the stroller while Lily kisses Emerson goodbye. Instead of opening the shop, Lily tells Ryle she forgot something and runs back through the crowd to find Atlas.

Lily catches up to Atlas and tells him Emerson's middle name is Dory, a meaningful reference to their past. Atlas embraces Lily and says his life finally feels good enough for her, inviting Lily to come to him when she is ready. Lily pauses long enough to ask whether Atlas gives to charity, wants children, and plans to stay in Boston; his answers reassure her.

Lily decides she is ready. Atlas holds Lily, kisses her gently, and tells Lily she can stop swimming because they have finally reached the shore. The chapter closes with Lily allowing herself to move forward with Atlas after breaking the cycle of abuse for Emerson.