If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 28
Overview
On the first day of summer, Autumn writes a tragic story, then helps Aunt Angelina close her art classroom. Finny leaves to handle a Sylvie issue but later returns to help, and they visit beloved teacher Mrs. Morgansen, who assumes they’re still close. Autumn nostalgically slides down the school banister, while Finny, still tied to Sylvie, departs to see her again.
Summary
School ends with Autumn fearing she’ll cry saying goodbye to Mr. Laughegan, who promises she’ll make his future writing class. The next morning, energized, she drafts a tragic short story before Aunt Angelina calls, asking for help tearing down her elementary art classroom.
At Finny’s house, Autumn finds Finny distant and leaving to deal with something involving Sylvie. Autumn and Aunt Angelina go to the old school, where memories of childhood, writing ambitions, and practical plans with Jamie surface. Autumn packs sculptures and posters while reflecting on how her dreams have narrowed.
Finny returns in better spirits and helps. Together they visit Mrs. Morgansen, who warmly greets them and assumes they remain close—and possibly romantic. Autumn clarifies she’s with Jamie; Finny blushes but says little. The visit highlights how different things are from their inseparable past.
Resolved to reclaim a childhood wish, Autumn slides down the polished banister as Finny stands ready to catch her. After loading the car, Finny declines lunch and goes back to Sylvie, his earlier blankness returning. Over lunch, Aunt Angelina hints concern about Sylvie without details, leaving Autumn aware of Finny’s ongoing entanglement and their quiet distance.
Who Appears
- AutumnNarrator; writes a tragic story, helps dismantle the art classroom, revisits childhood memories, denies romance with Finny, slides down the banister.
- FinnyArrives withdrawn due to Sylvie, later helps at school, blushes during Mrs. Morgansen’s assumptions, then returns to Sylvie.
- Aunt AngelinaArt teacher and Finny’s mother; enlists Autumn’s help, works alongside them, expresses concern about Sylvie.
- Mrs. MorgansenBeloved former teacher; warmly receives Autumn and Finny, recalls their closeness, prompts reflection on how they’ve changed.
- Mr. LaugheganEnglish teacher; encourages Autumn with a promise about his future writing class.