Lily Bloom and Emerson Dory Kincaid (mother-daughter)

Lily Bloom and Emerson Dory Kincaid (mother-daughter) is the central maternal relationship of the novel, defined by Lily's determination to break the cycle of domestic violence that marked her own childhood. From Emerson's birth, through the decision to name her after Ryle's deceased brother, to the final promise that the abuse 'ends with us,' this bond represents Lily's hope for a future free from the trauma of her past.

Birth and Naming

Emerson is born after a difficult labor, during which Lily squeezes Ryle's hand with every push, thinking about how important that hand is to his career as a neurosurgeon. Ryle, however, says nothing and allows her to squeeze as hard as she can. When the doctor announces, "It's a girl!" Ryle exclaims, "Lily, we have a daughter!" The moment they lay Emerson on Lily's chest is described as the absolute greatest moment of her life; she immediately touches the baby's red lips, cheeks, and fingers. Ryle cuts the umbilical cord, and when Emerson is taken away to be cleaned, Lily feels empty.

Lily proposes naming the baby after Ryle's sister or brother, thinking that naming her after his deceased brother could be somewhat healing for him. Ryle is surprised by the suggestion, but he warms to it quickly, saying, "Emerson? That's kind of cute for a girl name. We could call her Emma. Or Emmy." He smiles proudly, looks down at her, and declares, "It's perfect, actually," before leaning down to kiss Emerson on the forehead. Lily watches him hold their daughter, seeing how much love he already has for her and recognizing that he would do anything to protect her.

The Promise to End the Cycle

Lily's relationship with Emerson is shaped by her own traumatic childhood. She reflects on how her mother, Jenny Bloom, endured years of abuse from her father, Andrew Bloom, with her limit being pushed a little more with every incident. Jenny explains that the first time her husband hit her, he was immediately sorry and swore it would never happen again; the second time he was even more sorry; the third time it was a beating; and the fourth time, when it was only a slap, she felt relieved, thinking, 'At least he didn't beat me this time.' Lily is determined that her daughter will not go through the same experience. After Emerson's birth, she kisses her on the forehead and makes her a promise: "It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us."

A Mother's Love Amidst Abuse

Despite the abuse Lily suffers from Ryle, her love for Emerson remains a constant. When Ryle discovers Lily is pregnant and comes to her apartment, he places a steady palm against her stomach. Lily feels the warmth of his hand through her shirt and reflects that despite the resentment she has built up toward him, the emotions are still there. She observes that it is not a person's actions that hurt the most, but the love attached to them. Ryle sinks to his knees in front of her, unable to process what is happening. He tells her, "You have a part of me inside of you. And I already love this baby more than I've ever loved anything in my whole life," and begs her not to take it away from him. Lily's decision to keep the baby, despite the abuse, underscores her commitment to being a mother who protects her child.

The Final Revelation and Reunion

In the epilogue, Lily and Atlas reunite on Boylston Street. As they stand facing each other, neither taking the final step, Lily remembers she forgot to tell Atlas Emerson's middle name. She puts her hands on her hips and exhales, saying, "It's Dory." Atlas does not immediately react, but then his eyes crinkle in the corners and his mouth twitches as he forces back a smile, replying, "What a perfect name for her." The name Dory is a reference to the phrase "Just keep swimming," a mantra that has carried Lily through her darkest moments. Atlas then steps forward, grabs Lily, and pulls her hard against his chest, holding her still as they stand surrounded by busy streets and blasts of horns. He presses a gentle kiss into her hair and says quietly, "Lily, I feel like my life is good enough for you now. So whenever you're ready . . ." Lily clenches his jacket in her hands, feeling like she is fifteen again, but she is not fifteen. The moment signifies a new beginning for Lily and Emerson, one where the cycle of violence has been broken and a future with Atlas is possible.