If He Had Been With Me Summary

Autumn and Finny have known each other since they were little kids. Their mothers are best friends, so they spent a lot of time together, bonding over play and laughter. Autumn is different—she thinks deeply and has a unique style, while Finny is the popular guy, loved by many. As they grow older, this close friendship begins to fade, affected by new interests and social circles.

When they reach middle school, Autumn and Finny start separating. Social dynamics start pulling them apart; the groups they hang out with are not the same anymore. Autumn finds herself a new friend group that embraces her quirky nature, while Finny becomes close with a crowd that reflects his outgoing personality. This shift underscores a growing emotional distance, despite the fact that they still live in the same neighborhood.

By high school, they lead divergent lives. Though they frequently think of each other, their past connection seems to slip through their fingers. Autumn transforms her outward appearance and tries to solidify her identity within her new circle of friends. However, in her heart, she experiences an ongoing struggle—a combination of longing for what they once had and confusion over her feelings for Finny.

The story takes a dramatic turn one stormy night in August. Finny and his girlfriend, Sylvie, get into a terrible car accident after an argument. While Sylvie suffers from minor injuries, Finny is emotionally destabilized but physically unharmed. Autumn reflects on the accident deeply; she wonders what could have been different if she had been there with him, bringing intense feelings of regret and yearning for their lost closeness.

As Autumn continues to think about her past with Finny, the story explores important themes such as friendship, love, and loss. She becomes more aware of the deeper emotions she has for him while also feeling the pain of those long-distant memories. The enchantment of youthful friendship turns complicated and weighty, mirroring the confused experience of being a teenager.

The narrative’s bittersweet nature culminates with Autumn's battle with thoughts of an unexpected pregnancy. This new challenge circumcises a larger message of growing up: life doesn’t always unfold neatly, and, often, the path you believe you’re on can change quickly. Despite this drop into uncertainty, there’s a sense of hope, indicating that even when faced with despair, joy can find its way through.

In the end, life’s unpredictable nature leaves Autumn in a place where she must confront what the future holds. She might face darker days ahead, yet it remains evident there’s resilience in the human spirit. The story doesn’t tie everything up perfectly but instead reflects the ongoing journey of growth, healing, and the possibility of joy amid sorrow’s presence.

After high school graduation, Autumn and Finny finally recognize their shared feelings for each other. However, Finny is still in a relationship with Sylvie and plans to break up with her that night before starting something new with Autumn. As they drive together, an argument with Sylvie escalates, leading to a tragic car crash when they hit a telephone pole.

In the chaos, Sylvie is thrown from the car, and Finny rushes out to see if she's okay. In a horrific moment, he steps into a puddle containing a live wire, resulting in his immediate electrocution. Autumn, anxiously waiting at home, remains unaware of this devastating turn of events. Finny dies with the knowledge that Autumn loves him, but their brief moment of rekindled romance is cruelly interrupted by fate.

The story closes on a somber yet hopeful note. Although Autumn may be pregnant, this detail is left uncertain, symbolizing life's unpredictability—showing that even in tragedy, the potential for new beginnings exists. Through their story, the author captures the intricate balance of loss and possible future joy, reflecting on the intricacies of love and life.