Chapter 39

Autumn’s mother wakes Autumn and, despite Autumn’s denial that anything is wrong beyond winter blues, reveals she has scheduled an appointment with Dr. Singh. Autumn resists the idea of medication, but her mother quietly proceeds.

At school, Autumn is called to the office from English. When Mrs. Stevens asks about notes, Autumn names Finny; Finny offers to drop them by, subtly defending her in front of classmates, including Jamie and Sasha.

Autumn and her mother visit Dr. Singh’s small practice. In the waiting room, Autumn feels out of place and judges others, while her mother maintains a polished exterior. A nurse leads Autumn to Dr. Singh, who reviews basic history, asks about her tiara, appetite, weight, and sleep, and then explores her mood.

Dr. Singh questions Autumn’s sadness, irritability, early-morning waking, and denial of suicidal thoughts, explaining how such sleep patterns often correlate with suicidality. He challenges Autumn’s belief that she deserves to be sad, reframing depression as undeserved and treatable. Autumn is moved to tears as he normalizes treatment.

Her mother fills the prescription immediately. At first, her mother monitors the doses, then stops mentioning it. Over the next weeks, Autumn starts to feel better, though she isn’t sure whether it’s the medication or the arrival of spring.