Lily struggles for half an hour to get from her car into her apartment because of her sprained ankle. Lucy has missed Lily's calls while talking on the phone, and Lily, irritated but trying not to escalate the moment, retreats to her room, takes anti-inflammatories, and texts her mother for help with groceries.

Being stuck at home makes Lily reflect on her mother living nearby and on Lily's shifting feelings after Andrew's death. Lily recognizes that some resentment toward her mother has faded, but Lily still feels anger toward her father for the way Andrew treated Lily's mother, Lily, and Atlas. With nothing else to do, Lily retrieves an old journal and resumes reading.

In the journal, fifteen-year-old Lily writes to Ellen about Atlas bringing her gardening tools he found in the garage of the abandoned house. Atlas is shy and apologetic, but the gesture matters to Lily because it shows he noticed what she needed. Lily invites Atlas to watch Ellen's show after school, secretly letting Atlas into the house, feeding Atlas, and warning Atlas to escape through the back door if Lily's parents come home early.

A later journal entry shows that Atlas has become Lily's regular after-school companion. Lily gives Atlas food, lets Atlas shower, and washes Atlas's clothes while Atlas continues to apologize for being a burden. Lily enjoys helping Atlas because Atlas's presence distracts Lily from the tension at home, especially when Andrew comes home late from the bar and Lily fears Andrew will hurt Lily's mother again.

In the next entry, Lily witnesses Andrew shove Lily's mother to the kitchen floor after already striking her. Lily's mother denies the seriousness of the abuse and sends Lily away, which makes Lily furious. Instead of going to her room, Lily runs to the abandoned house, where Atlas comforts Lily quietly on the porch until Lily sees her mother searching Lily's bedroom. Lily then realizes Atlas can see into Lily's room from the house and is surprised to find she almost hopes Atlas has seen her.

Back in the present, Lily closes the journal as the medication takes effect. Reading about Andrew's violence darkens Lily's mood, reading about Atlas makes Lily sad, and thinking about Ryle hurts too. Lily finally shifts her thoughts to Allysa, feeling grateful for Allysa's arrival and sensing that Lily will need both friendship and help as the flower shop becomes more stressful than expected.