Apollo and Lillian’s Relationship

The Changeling

Apollo’s bond with Lillian shifts from gratitude and dependence to anger over withheld truths, then toward a more honest recognition of her care.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Working Mother A Working Mother from "The Changeling". Care Through Labor A household maintained Lillian works long hours and studies while raising Apollo after Brian West’s disappearance.

A Working Mother from "The Changeling". Care Through Labor A household maintained Lillian works long hours and studies while raising Apollo after Brian West’s disappearance.

Care Through Labor A household maintained Lillian works long hours and studies while raising Apollo after Brian West’s disappearance. Love expressed practically Apollo learns from her industry, though he also feels the absence of the parent who is not there.

Business Cards at the Table Business Cards at the Table from "The Changeling". Lillian Supports His Venture An argument changes direction After learning Apollo has been selling books and magazines, Lillian recognizes his initiative rather…

Business Cards at the Table from "The Changeling". Lillian Supports His Venture An argument changes direction After learning Apollo has been selling books and magazines, Lillian recognizes his initiative rather…

Lillian Supports His Venture An argument changes direction After learning Apollo has been selling books and magazines, Lillian recognizes his initiative rather than simply forbidding it. Encouragement becomes a bond She offers business cards and helps him name Improbabilia, linking her support to his adult vocation.

A Mother’s Practical Care A Mother’s Practical Care from "The Changeling". Food and Familiar Comfort Help arrives at home Lillian brings meals and sits with Emma as the new mother struggles to breastfeed Brian.

A Mother’s Practical Care from "The Changeling". Food and Familiar Comfort Help arrives at home Lillian brings meals and sits with Emma as the new mother struggles to breastfeed Brian.

Food and Familiar Comfort Help arrives at home Lillian brings meals and sits with Emma as the new mother struggles to breastfeed Brian. Tenderness without expertise Her support comes from remembered experience, even when her bluntness sometimes wounds the people she means to help.

Anger at the Confession Anger at the Confession from "The Changeling". A Past Reopened The divorce revealed Lillian explains that she left Brian West because she was carrying the household and could no longer remain his servant.

Anger at the Confession from "The Changeling". A Past Reopened The divorce revealed Lillian explains that she left Brian West because she was carrying the household and could no longer remain his servant.

A Past Reopened The divorce revealed Lillian explains that she left Brian West because she was carrying the household and could no longer remain his servant. Apollo feels excluded He resents that she denied him a relationship with his father and thinks she made a life-changing decision without him.

A More Complete Truth A More Complete Truth from "The Changeling". Listening to the Full Story The danger named Lillian tells Apollo that Brian West tried to drown him, and that her intervention forced the family apart.

A More Complete Truth from "The Changeling". Listening to the Full Story The danger named Lillian tells Apollo that Brian West tried to drown him, and that her intervention forced the family apart.

Listening to the Full Story The danger named Lillian tells Apollo that Brian West tried to drown him, and that her intervention forced the family apart. A bond made more honest Apollo recognizes that Lillian stayed because she wanted to, even as her past choices continue to hurt him.

Apollo’s childhood in Jackson Heights

When Apollo is twelve

After Brian Kagwa is born

Apollo’s first night home from Rikers Island

During their later phone conversation