If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 23
Overview
On Christmas Day, Autumn and Finny share a restrained family celebration, marked by nostalgia and distance. Finny quietly confirms he will handle the rumor issue, and he gives Autumn a tiara he chose. That evening, Autumn learns Sylvie broke up with Finny, deepening Autumn’s concern and complicating their estrangement.
Summary
On Christmas morning, Autumn recovers from days of illness and joins her parents to celebrate at Aunt Angelina’s, recalling childhood traditions of sleeping beneath the tree with Finny. The families exchange gifts; Finny is unusually quiet. Autumn receives a silver snowflake tiara chosen by Finny, which softens the tension between them.
After presents, Autumn reads while Finny and Dad watch TV. Finny approaches and, in a low voice, tells Autumn that the favor she asked—regarding the rumor from finals week—won’t be a problem. Their private exchange is interrupted by Aunt Angelina calling them to lunch.
That evening, as Autumn and her mother walk home, Mom reveals that Sylvie broke up with Finny. Surprised, Autumn processes that Finny had seemed subdued all day. She worries about him, considers reaching out, but doesn’t. Alone, seeing his light on behind closed curtains, Autumn’s protectiveness flares and she curses Sylvie for hurting him.
Who Appears
- AutumnNarrator; shares Christmas with family, receives a tiara from Finny, learns Sylvie dumped him, worries but holds back.
- Phineas (Finny) SmithQuiet and subdued at Christmas; picked Autumn’s tiara; assures her the rumor favor is handled; recently dumped by Sylvie.
- Aunt AngelinaHosts Christmas; reveals Finny seemed broken up after the split; supportive and warm toward Autumn.
- Autumn’s motherShares holiday, later informs Autumn that Sylvie ended things with Finny, prompting Autumn’s concern.
- Autumn’s fatherHelps with presents, watches TV with Finny, steps out for work calls.
- SylvieAbsent but pivotal; recently broke up with Finny, causing his subdued mood and Autumn’s anger.