It Starts with Us

A successful chef and business owner, Atlas Corrigan has built his life on his own without the support of his abusive family. After overcoming a period of homelessness in his youth, Atlas attempts to move forward with his life and escape memories of his traumatic childhood. However, a chance encounter with his childhood love, Lily, and his discovery of a secret younger brother, Josh, force Atlas to confront his past and attempt to make up for the years of separation that distanced them.

Loyal and empathetic, Atlas understands firsthand the struggles people endure to survive. Repeatedly referred to by Lily as “Considerate Atlas,” he does everything in his power to aid those in need (193). Atlas attempts to rewrite the past by gaining custody of Josh but doubts his ability to parent a young boy. He shows his protective instinct when he confronts his abusive mother and deals with his anger toward her in service of raising Josh in a loving household. Inspired by Lily’s grace as she navigates custody issues with Ryle, Atlas begins to address conflict in less aggressive and impulsive ways than he would have earlier: When confronted by Ryle and by his mother, Atlas chooses to speak to them rationally and considerately, which leads to progress in his relationships with them.