If He Had Been with Me, #2
If Only I Had Told Her
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Jack — Seventeen
Overview
Jack learns from Sylvie that Autumn attempted suicide but survived and is hospitalized. Shocked and guilty for not alerting adults after seeing Autumn struggling, Jack and Sylvie confront their grief and conflicted feelings. Jack decides to return home to encourage Autumn to keep living, invoking Finn’s wishes.
Summary
Between classes, Jack receives a rare text from Sylvie asking if he has heard about Autumn. He calls her and learns Autumn attempted suicide. The news halts him; he is relieved Autumn survived but is shaken and seeks more details he knows Sylvie cannot provide.
Jack admits he recently saw Autumn and sensed she was unwell, regretting not alerting Angelina or Autumn’s mother. Sylvie, also struggling, questions why she cares so deeply about Autumn’s fate. Jack answers that Finn would want Autumn to live, a thought that eases him.
They acknowledge their shared grief and uncertainties. Concerned about the risk of another attempt, Jack decides to go home again to tell Autumn directly that Finn would want her to keep living. He mentions a lighthearted bet with his brothers about getting their dad to an art museum, but centers his purpose on supporting Autumn now.
Who Appears
- JackNarrator; learns Autumn attempted suicide, feels guilty, and decides to visit home to encourage her to live.
- SylvieInforms Jack of Autumn’s attempt; conflicted and concerned; urges focusing on what they can do now.
- Autumn DavisSurvived a suicide attempt; hospitalized; focus of Jack and Sylvie’s concern and plans.
- FinnDeceased; his memory guides Jack’s resolve to tell Autumn he’d want her to live.
- TaylorSource who told Sylvie about Autumn; previously misjudged Sylvie’s feelings.