Connell and Helen are out celebrating New Year's Eve in Dublin. Late that night, Connell receives a group text questioning the whereabouts of Rob. The next morning news comes through that Rob has died. Connell struggles with the emotional fallout of Rob's death. After the funeral, he is distant with Helen, only showing signs of responsiveness when reunited with Marianne. His mental health deteriorates when he returns to college, struggling to drag himself to lectures, and he ends his relationship with Helen. Eventually, at Niall's suggestion, he begins counselling. Marianne is still in Sweden and attempts to reassure him over Skype. Through the counselling and Marianne's friendship, Connell begins to see a way forward.