Joe arrives at the hospital with a magazine, apologizes for his absence, and explains a messy breakup and a slide into heavy drinking. Now seeking help and sober for weeks, he asks Nora not to “leave existence.” They reconcile and hug. Nora thanks Joe for once trying to save her in the river, acknowledging their shared, painful history.

While Joe collects Nora’s keys, clothes, and phone, Izzy texts wanting a proper talk and hinting at returning to the UK, which fills Nora with joy. Nora checks the International Polar Research Institute’s page, sees Ingrid and Peter in the field, shares their article on Arctic warming, and resolves to donate when able.

Cleared to go home, Nora rides with Joe in an Uber and spots Ash arriving at the hospital, choosing to hope for his happiness and leaving open the possibility of coffee or watching his half-marathon. In the car, Joe considers sound engineering; Nora encourages the safer, happier path and senses Hammersmith is the right fit.

Joe mentions a doctor at his gym, Ewan, and Nora confidently urges him to ask out Dr Ewan Langford. At 33A Bancroft Avenue, Joe confirms Ewan’s identity on his phone, astonished. Nora calls it sibling intuition and repeats Mrs Elm’s credo: “You don’t have to understand life. You just have to live it.” Outside, Mr Banerjee smiles in relief; Nora thanks him, plans to buy foxgloves, and enters her flat newly attuned to life’s beauty, savoring the irises in his garden.