Chapter 65

Three days after Jamie’s breakup, Autumn remains in bed, numb and unkempt, resisting her mother’s attempts to involve friends. Learning that Sasha slept with Jamie deepens her hurt, and she rejects suggestions to call others. Her mother then announces Finny is coming, forcing Autumn to scramble to get dressed.

Finny arrives, explaining the visit is his idea. He warns that their mothers may call Dr. Singh, which Autumn dreads, and he jokes lightly about Singh’s fixation on her weight, coaxing a brief smile. Finny offers a deal: he’ll dissuade them from calling if Autumn goes for ice cream.

After extracting her from the house, Finny avoids the crowded shop by bringing cones to the car and driving to the park. As they walk, Autumn learns Sylvie has left for a European tour, and Finny is noncommittal about their future. Conversation turns to Jamie and Sasha likely staying together at Rochester; both judge the relationship’s shaky start, and Finny insists Autumn is better off.

Autumn confesses regret and shame about staying with Jamie out of obligation and fear no one else would love her; Finny counters that belief as “stupid” but avoids platitudes. He carefully asks whether Jamie slept with Autumn before cheating; she says no. They sit by the lake until bugs drive them back.

On the drive home, Finny sets a plan to take Autumn to breakfast the next day. Back in her room, Autumn cries herself to sleep again—now mourning not only Jamie but also deeper losses and complicated feelings stirred by Finny’s kindness.