an Atheist that has nothing to look forward to but death and silence.
A common misconception. We atheists have everything to look forward to.

Life.

I don't live my life on some ephemeral promise of a reward on another plane. I live my life to the full. In the certainty that this is it. No second chances, no afterlife, no redemption, just the opportunity to receive and give love with my kith and kin.