Eighteen

Jack arrives at the hospital’s psychiatric wing expecting resistance and is told he must wait for visiting hours. After security checks his bag and adds him to Autumn’s approved list, he’s led to a cafeteria-like visiting room. Autumn enters, distant at first, and sits with him.

They talk awkwardly about how people answer “How are you,” and Jack admits he never saw her depression. Autumn blurts that she is pregnant—with Finn’s child. Jack gives her a paper bag of items he found while cleaning Finn’s car, including her favorite candy and a receipt that makes them both laugh, confirming Finn had been thinking of her.

They reflect on Finn’s protective nature and discuss practicalities. Autumn reveals Jack is the first person she told and that she plans to keep the baby. Jack offers help and suggests gathering stories and photos of Finn for the child, resolving to contact people while memories are fresh.

With visiting time running out, Jack relays a message from Sylvie: she wants Autumn to get better. When Autumn doubts it, Jack insists, arguing that Autumn carries part of Finn in her memories—and now in the pregnancy—and must stay alive. Overwhelmed, Autumn promises she will not attempt again.

They hug goodbye, and Jack feels the embrace like holding onto Finn. Driving home, he realizes he has thought about Finn without pain for the first time since the news, and he feels deep gratitude for Finn’s life and love.