If He Had Been with Me, #2
If Only I Had Told Her
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Autumn — Four
Overview
Autumn meets Angie for lunch, discusses joining an adult PTSD group, and learns about SIDS, intensifying her anxieties about motherhood. She encourages Angie to communicate with Dave about intimacy strain. A tense encounter with Sylvie softens when Sylvie sends congratulations and wishes Autumn well, hinting at shifting tensions via Jack’s updates.
Summary
Autumn meets Angie at a new smoothie-coffee shop after disclosing her recent hospital stay. She explains she’ll join a PTSD group, despite worrying about relating to older participants. Angie’s scare that morning about Guinevere not waking introduces Autumn to SIDS, deepening Autumn’s awareness of parental fear.
Angie coordinates picking up Dave from college and describes their exhaustion and reduced intimacy since Guinevere’s birth. Concerned, Autumn urges Angie to acknowledge Dave’s efforts and speak openly about their needs to prevent resentment.
When Sylvie Whitehouse arrives, Autumn panics, remembering the betrayal with Finny. While Angie queues for to-go items, Autumn soothes Guinevere awkwardly, realizing how complicated love and blame feel in the aftermath of Finny’s death.
Angie returns with a second smoothie for Autumn and relays Sylvie’s message: she’s glad Autumn is feeling better and offers congratulations on the pregnancy, likely informed by Jack. The unexpected grace from Sylvie eases immediate tension, leaving Autumn reflective but grateful for small mercies.
Who Appears
- AutumnPregnant protagonist; discusses PTSD group, learns about SIDS, supports Angie, and receives unexpected goodwill from Sylvie.
- AngieAutumn’s friend and new mother; shares a SIDS scare, relationship strain with Dave, and brokers the message from Sylvie.
- Sylvie WhitehouseFinny’s ex; unexpectedly sends congratulations and well-wishes to Autumn, easing some hostility.
- GuinevereAngie’s infant; briefly distressed, then soothed by Autumn, prompting reflections on caregiving and fear.
- DaveAngie’s partner; offstage but stressed with school and work; intimacy strain becomes a topic Autumn urges addressing.
- Jack MurphyFinny’s friend; likely source of Sylvie’s information about Autumn’s condition and pregnancy.