It Ends with Us

The ending of It Ends with Us reveals Lily’s journey of finding her strength and making hard choices to break free from the cycle of abuse. Throughout the story, Lily witnesses the pain and scars that come from domestic violence, both in her past with her mother and in her own relationship with Ryle. Ryle’s trauma, rooted in childhood fears of losing loved ones, manifests in possessive and violent behavior. His outbursts, such as pushing Lily and destroying her tattoo, evoke memories of her father’s abuse, reminding her of her past and her own experiences of helplessness. Ultimately, Lily recognizes that staying with Ryle would mean risking herself and her daughter falling into the same pattern of violence she tried to escape. Her decision to leave him, despite her pregnancy and her conflicting feelings, symbolizes her resolve to protect her child from such trauma.

In the final moments, Lily returns to her hometown and confronts her feelings about her father’s abusive nature. She writes a note on her father’s grave, which symbolizes her refusal to forgive or overlook his actions—she acknowledges the pain, but refuses to pretend he was a good man. Lily’s journey also involves reconnecting with Atlas, her childhood love, who has built a new life for himself. Their reunion suggests a possibility of a future together, but it’s left open-ended, emphasizing that healing from such deep wounds takes time and courage. Her encounter with Atlas rekindles hope, but Lily’s future remains uncertain, as she continues to navigate the scars of her past while forging her path forward. The ending underscores that true strength lies in making difficult decisions and choosing oneself and one’s child’s wellbeing over comfort or societal expectations.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:02