If Only You Had Stayed: a short story

by C. P. Ashton

Sarcastic. Scarred. Stuck.

Charlie Foster is a disaster. Just ask her therapist.

After high school, Charlie loaded what little she owned into her car, ripped off the proverbial rear view mirror, and drove out west with her angsty punk music blaring as loud as the speakers could handle. The falling out with her best friend, Skylar, right before graduation still haunts her ten years later. Now Charlie’s back in town for their high school reunion searching for answers, closure, and one last shot at Skylar’s heart.

But Skylar may have moved on long ago—for better or worse.

If Only You Had Stayed explores shattered first loves, fumbled second chances, and the inescapable external forces that shape a life.

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2025

About the author

I’m an author by night and an engineer by day. My favorite books are the kind that immerse me in fantastical worlds or make me fall in love with the characters. I love high emotion, high adventure, and high stakes stories that don’t take themselves too seriously the whole time.

I live in Denver with the love of my life and our three amazing kids.

Reviews

[vickies_corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story about an emotion, an experience suppressed/ set aside for 10 years. This threw me back to my teenager emotions. Put me to thinking. Waw, how life can turn when people don’t talk or run From situations or you’re not allowed to talk or when you have no one to help. Charlie and Skylar. Short story with a big message.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very emotional read. I read it all in one sitting. Although it was short, I felt like it was just the right length to portray what the author had to say. It will definitely have you in your feelings. Highly recommend!

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good short story read! I enjoyed the sarcasm/humor undertone throughout it. Totally matched my vibe! Also took me right back to my high-school days.. It was like looking in the mirror of the past. It reads really easily and quickly!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good short story. Reminds me much of my high school days and a good reminder of how different the same thing people live through can feel to one another.

[Raven Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what a twisted Pringle plot twist shirt story that was , I was hooked and couldn't put it down .. when I got to the end I had to take a double take to ensure it was finished ...
If you want drama this is the book for you !!

[Barbara pillole_letterarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only you had stayed è una short novel che parla di traumi passati che spesso possono influenzare il presente.

Charlie ha passato gli ultimi 10 anni della sua vita a chiedersi cosa sarebbe successo se invece di scappare fosse rimasta.

L'occasione di tornare a casa c'è e sfrutta tutto questo per affrontare l'unica persona che in tutti questi anni ha invaso i suoi ricordi: Skylar.

Erano migliori amiche e forse un po' più di questo ma una serie di cose le ha portate ad allontanarsi definitivamente.

È stata una storia breve ma intensa, che ti lascia quel sapore dolce amaro in bocca quando la finisci.

Una lettura piacevole che non puoi fare a meno di voler continuare fino alla fine.

[McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

*If Only You Had Stayed* is a beautifully written and emotionally charged short story. It transported me back to my high school days, with a wave of nostalgia and raw emotion. The vulnerability of the characters draws you in, making you deeply invested in their journey and eager for the happy ending they so desperately need. The author captures the essence of their story, compelling you to follow their path and wanting more. Although it only took about an hour to read, every minute was absolutely worth it.

[Ruthie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me say that I received this as an ARC for my honest review.

While I didn’t dislike this novella I also didn’t LOVE love it.

I enjoyed the writing style and I enjoyed the premise of the novella however, ultimately it just felt unfinished to me. I feel as though this should be more than a novella length story so that the pacing of information thrown your way can be more organic.
I think that this author has a lot of potential and some great ideas. I’ll be watching for more work from them in the future.

[Arien Skye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. It was real and honest about struggles with identity and being who you are meant to be despite family and religious influence.

The scene descriptions were immersive and well written too.

The only fault I can find is that I wanted more!!!

[Natasha Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so honoured to have been chosen to read this beautifully written short story.
My heart hurts for all the teenagers, young adults and anyone who are scared or left feeling ashamed of their sexuality and missing out on a beautiful life and love.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic short story with alot of emotions and struggles with how not knowing as a young teenager what ur sexuality is and how one can feel isolated and ashamed. The, author hit the nail on the head. It's a must read.

[Woody Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story hits that sweet spot between funny and heart-wrenching. It's loudly nostalgic, quietly profound, and altogether a very enjoyable read!

[Michelle Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Very short story but so much emotion and detail put into this book. Would definitely read more from this author