If He Had Been with Me, #2
If Only I Had Told Her
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Autumn — Six
Overview
Autumn attends Dr. Singh’s group therapy, listening as members discuss identity loss and trauma. A blunt peer, Brittaney, confronts Autumn about her pregnancy, oversharing and pressing boundaries. Autumn stays guarded, then leaves with her mother, unsure whether therapy will help as practical needs like maternity clothes loom.
Summary
Autumn joins a hospital-basement group therapy led by Dr. Singh. The session centers on Marcia, a former juvenile public defender grieving the loss of purpose and identity after leaving her job due to PTSD. Dr. Singh invites the group to reflect on identity tied to traumatic work.
Brittaney, a young participant, reacts bluntly, insisting Marcia did what she could and should move on. Carlos, a former soldier, adds perspective, and the discussion becomes more productive as members compare identity, service, and trauma.
During a break, Brittaney corners Autumn in the restroom, immediately identifying her pregnancy and pressing for details. She shares her own history—three pregnancies, one miscarriage, a three-year-old—and offers unsolicited predictions about Autumn’s baby, pushing past Autumn’s boundaries.
Back in the session, Autumn avoids further engagement and leaves quickly afterward. Outside, the chill and her too-tight jacket highlight practical realities like needing a maternity coat. Picked up by her mother, Autumn admits uncertainty about whether the group will help.
Who Appears
- AutumnAttends group therapy, listens quietly, rebuffs Brittaney’s intrusive questions about her pregnancy, and leaves unsure therapy will help.
- Dr. SinghLeads the group session, guides discussion on identity loss and trauma, moderates participants’ comments.
- BrittaneyYoung participant; brash and intrusive, confronts Autumn about pregnancy and overshares her own history.
- MarciaFormer juvenile public defender; grieves leaving her work due to PTSD and lost sense of purpose.
- CarlosFormer soldier; contributes to discussion about identity and trauma during the session.
- Autumn’s MomPicks Autumn up after therapy; presence underscores Autumn’s practical needs and uncertainty.