Me Before You

Chapter 19 shifts to Nathan’s perspective. The morning after the wedding, Louisa and Will return home. When Louisa and Camilla leave, Will admits to Nathan that Louisa did not empty his catheter and that he is experiencing pain. Worried, Nathan stays with Will during the day to monitor his condition. Louisa and Will confide in Nathan about their travel plans and invite Nathan to join them. He agrees and observes Louisa and Camilla in deep conversation as he leaves for the day.

As Louisa helps Patrick train for his upcoming triathlon, she informs him that she will no longer be able to go to Norway to support him. Incensed, Patrick confronts her, and she finally reveals her plan to save Will. Patrick runs off.

Louisa returns to the chat room for those with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers. Through her research, she discovers a ranch in California that offers accommodations for adventurous, quadriplegic people. She shows both Nathan and Camilla her plan. They both support Louisa’s idea and encourage her to convince Will to attend.

After work, Louisa decides to return to her family home. Inspired by Will’s encouragement, she asks Treena if she thinks she could pursue a degree in fashion. Treena supports Louisa’s plan and asks what she plans to do with her job if she returns to school. Louisa confesses that she has romantic feelings for Will.

Later that evening, Louisa returns to Patrick’s apartment and finds he has prepared a romantic dinner. He apologizes for his past behavior and expresses his support for Louisa’s work with Will. As he cleans up after dinner, he discovers Louisa’s brochures for the holiday she is planning for Will and demands she not attend—but she refuses.

Chapter 21 shifts to Steven’s perspective. He documents Louisa’s move into the spare room of Will’s annex. Louisa presents her detailed plans for Will’s trip abroad; Will agrees to the trip. Steven takes a walk with his girlfriend, Della, whom he planned to leave Camilla for before Will’s accident. Bound to his family out of responsibility, he admits that “only on [his] son’s death would [he] be free to live the life of [his] choosing” (293). Della encourages him to think positively about the possibility of Louisa’s trip restoring hope in Will. Suddenly, Will contracts pneumonia.

Concerned, Louisa arrives at the hospital to visit Will; she has been away all weekend preparing for their trip. After offering to stay with Will while Camilla takes a break, Louisa sits by his side as he sleeps and holds his hand. She recalls how calm she felt when breaking up with Patrick and packing up her belongings.

Later that afternoon, Will wakes up from his deep sleep. Louisa updates him on her breakup with Patrick. Will informs her that he will not be able to go on their trip to the California ranch. She returns to Will’s annex to pack a bag for him and cancel their trip. Overwhelmed by this failure, Louisa cries and is interrupted by Nathan. As they share a cup of tea, she discovers Nathan is aware of Will’s plan to die. They argue over whether Will’s outlook on life has changed since Louisa’s arrival or if he has been trying to please her. Before Nathan leaves, Louisa asks if he would be willing to come on another trip if she planned it, and he agrees.

Ten days later, Louisa, Will, and Nathan leave for their trip to Mauritius. Equipped with information from the chat room, Louisa anxiously prepares for their flight while Will appears despondent. On the flight, she becomes emotional while rereading a text from Treena proclaiming how proud she is of her. After a couple days of rest, Will begins to gain more energy. The group enjoys their trip.

Nathan meets a woman named Karen. As Nathan spends more time with Karen, Louisa enjoys time alone with Will. Toward the end of their trip, she offers to share a room with Will so Nathan can spend time with Karen. Louisa and Will lay in bed together and watch a thunderstorm.

On the final day of the trip, Will books a scuba diving class for Louisa. Although she struggles at first, she completes the class. Later that night, she becomes intoxicated and dances out of happiness. When Louisa climbs onto Will’s lap, they share a kiss. Suddenly, Will pulls away and declares that he cannot have a relationship with her. Louisa questions this, but Will confirms his plan to go to Switzerland in a week to end his life. He asks Louisa to go with him, but she shouts and runs off.