Lily Bloom found herself perched atop a Boston rooftop, gazing out at the twinkling city lights. Her father’s recent passing weighed heavily on her mind as she contemplated life’s fragility. Suddenly, a man’s angry outburst shattered the silence as he furiously kicked a patio chair. This man, Ryle Kincaid, a skilled neurosurgeon, inadvertently sparked an unexpected connection with Lily through their exchange of deeply personal “naked truths.”

Ryle bared his soul, revealing the anguish of losing a young patient due to a tragic accident. In turn, Lily disclosed her resentment towards her abusive father, recounting how she stood in purposeful silence during his eulogy, unable to find kind words. She even confided losing her virginity to a homeless youth named Atlas. Boldly, Ryle propositioned Lily for a one-night stand, adamant about never pursuing a committed relationship or having children. Despite her attraction, Lily couldn’t fathom casual intimacy without emotional investment.

Months later, Lily’s inheritance enabled her to open a flower shop, where she forged a fast friendship with her employee, Allysa. One fateful day, as they readied the storefront, Lily suffered an ankle injury, prompting Allysa to call for aid. When Allysa’s brother arrived, Lily found herself face-to-face with Ryle once again, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

In the presence of Allysa, Lily and Ryle feigned unfamiliarity, though Ryle’s intentions remained clear – he still desired an intimate liaison with Lily. However, recognizing their conflicting desires, they mutually agreed to maintain distance. As Lily recuperated from her sprained ankle, she delved into her teenage journals, penned as letters addressed to the renowned Ellen DeGeneres, unveiling the poignant tale of her connection with Atlas.

During her adolescent years, Lily’s compassion led her to extend a helping hand to a homeless boy, Atlas, residing in an abandoned dwelling nearby. A bond blossomed as she provided him with sustenance, clothing, and shelter. Atlas became Lily’s confidant and protector, shielding her from the turmoil of her father’s abuse. They found solace in watching Ellen’s talk show and the film “Finding Nemo,” adopting the mantra “just keep swimming” as a source of strength during trying times.

When an opportunity for a stable living arrangement arose for Atlas in Boston, he reluctantly parted ways with Lily, leaving her heartbroken. However, on her 16th birthday, Atlas returned, presenting her with a magnet that symbolized the promise of a better life in Boston. Their bond culminated in an intimate embrace, but their moment of bliss was shattered by Lily’s father, who subjected Atlas to a brutal beating with a baseball bat. As Atlas was whisked away in an ambulance, Lily’s hopes of reuniting with him dwindled, forever haunted by the question of why he never returned.

She calls Atlas to come get her, and he takes her to the hospital, where she discovers she’s pregnant. She takes her time figuring out what she wants for her life, confused by her emotions for Atlas and by all her conflicting feelings of rage and love and hurt for Ryle. She gradually lets Ryle back into her life in a platonic way, telling him about the baby, though she’s unsure what she wants from him.

When the baby is born, Lily and Ryle name her Emerson, after Ryle’s brother. Lily says she wants a divorce because she would never want her daughter to endure what she and her mother did. Ryle agrees, though he is heartbroken about it. They share custody of Emerson. One day, Lily runs into Atlas. He says his life is good enough for Lily now, so if she’s ever ready to fall in love again, he’s there for her. She says she’s ready, and they embrace. He says she can stop swimming.