Chapter 80

The chapter is the text of Autumn’s novel, told as a fable about Aden and Izzy, next-door best friends who uniquely understand one another. As they grow up, their bond deepens into romance; they share nightly glimpses through open blinds, attend school events together, and isolate into an intense duo.

They begin drinking stolen vodka by their childhood creek, and Aden teaches Izzy to drive, echoing their shared rites of passage. One night they have sex; it is both wonderful and frightening. Izzy becomes pregnant, but the baby dies before anyone knows. The loss is terrifying yet “a little bit beautiful,” capturing how sorrow can hold unexpected grace.

Despite pressure to diversify their lives, Aden and Izzy remain steadfast, convinced their world is meant to be just the two of them. In senior year, Izzy receives a faraway writing scholarship. She wants to accept; Aden urges her to go. They decide not to attempt a long-distance relationship, believing it would tarnish their “perfect love.”

At the airport farewell, neither can let go as Izzy’s flight is called. They finally admit they would rather risk imperfection together than be apart, choosing unhappiness together over unhappiness alone. The story then ends with the line that Izzy and Aden are at last able to let each other go.

The closing sentence reveals this is the final line of Autumn’s novel, signaling the piece is her coded reimagining of her and Finny’s intertwined past and the choices looming before them.