If He Had Been with Me, #2
If Only I Had Told Her
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Autumn — Nine
Overview
Autumn confides to Dr. Singh that she feels disconnected from pregnancy, and he reframes love as action grounded in her consistent care. He redirects her toward identity beyond motherhood, celebrating that she finished a novel.
Dr. Singh urges her to participate in group therapy and defends Brittaney as a resilient survivor, pushing Autumn toward engagement and community.
Summary
In therapy, Autumn admits she feels disconnected from her pregnant body and worries this means she will be a poor mother. Dr. Singh normalizes the feeling and asks about her prenatal habits. When Autumn confirms she’s taking vitamins, attending appointments, and walking, he reframes love as action, assuring her that these choices demonstrate care.
Dr. Singh widens the focus to Autumn’s identity beyond motherhood. He asks about her dream to write a novel, and Autumn reveals she has finished a manuscript and is editing it, even if editing sometimes brings her to tears. Dr. Singh praises the accomplishment, underscoring that many never finish.
Turning to group therapy, Dr. Singh invites Autumn to share her reasons for attending at the next session. When Autumn complains about Brittaney, he laughs but then stresses Brittaney’s resilience, calling her a survivor. The exchange nudges Autumn toward seeing the group as a place to learn and to reengage with others.
Who Appears
- AutumnPregnant protagonist; feels disconnected from pregnancy, affirms prenatal care, reveals she finished a novel, considers sharing in group.
- Dr. SinghTherapist; reframes love as action, validates Autumn’s care, praises her completed novel, urges group participation, highlights Brittaney’s resilience.
- BrittaneyGroup therapy member; initially annoys Autumn, described by Dr. Singh as a spitfire and a survivor to learn from.