Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Autumn cannot access abortion services in Pennsylvania because the state requires parental consent for minors. Since she is underage and cannot involve her mother or stepfather, she and Skylar decide to travel to New York, where she can receive the procedure without parental consent. This legal barrier is the central reason for their covert journey.

• parental consent
• pennsylvania abortion law
• new york abortion
• minors abortion access

During the sonogram at Planned Parenthood in Brooklyn, the technician reveals that the 18-week-old fetus has visible bruises. This traumatic discovery suggests something harmful occurred during the pregnancy, which is later connected to the counselor's questioning about whether Autumn experienced any trauma. The bruises are a devastating detail that adds to the emotional weight of her situation.

• fetus bruises
• ultrasound
• autumn's pregnancy
• traumatic pregnancy

When the counselor speaks with Autumn before the procedure, she gently asks if Autumn has experienced any situation where she did not feel she could say no, or if anyone has ever hurt her. This line of questioning leads Autumn to confront the possibility that her pregnancy resulted from a traumatic incident. The realization and the act of facing this suppressed memory causes her to cry intensely.

• autumn trauma
• counselor session
• pregnancy from assault
• emotional breakdown

After learning Autumn is pregnant and desperate to find a solution, Skylar steals cash from the grocery store where they both work. She does this to fund their unauthorized trip to New York, as they have no other financial resources. The theft represents her desperate attempt to help her cousin when all other options seem closed.

• skylar theft
• stolen money
• funding trip
• autumn and skylar

After receiving the devastating news of her pregnancy, Autumn gets a new nose piercing as a way to reclaim some control over her body. The act symbolizes a turning point in her life, a visible change during a moment when she feels powerless over her circumstances. It represents her attempt to assert agency in a situation where so many choices have been taken away from her.

• nose piercing
• autumn's choice
• body autonomy
• symbolic act

When Autumn arrives at Planned Parenthood in Brooklyn, the sonogram reveals that her 18-week-old fetus has visible bruises. This unexpected finding causes the medical staff to delay the procedure. The postponement adds another layer of emotional distress to Autumn's experience, forcing her to wait overnight while processing this disturbing news.

• procedure postponed
• abortion delay
• fetus bruises
• next day appointment

After learning that Pennsylvania requires parental consent for abortion and feeling trapped with no legal options, Autumn becomes desperate enough to consider self-induced methods. She researches ways to end the pregnancy on her own, resorting to medication and physical harm. This drastic thinking reflects her extreme desperation and lack of viable alternatives given the legal restrictions in her state.

• self-induced abortion
• desperate measures
• autumn's desperation
• medication attempt

When Autumn and Skylar face multiple obstacles on their way back home, including missing tickets, lack of funds, and no way to contact their families, Autumn suggests that Skylar go back alone. This moment reflects Autumn's selflessness and desire to protect her cousin from further hardship, even though Skylar firmly refuses to abandon her.

• autumn skylar separation
• return home
• loyal friendship
• autumn's sacrifice

At the family dinner after the talent show, Autumn's stepfather Ted makes dismissive remarks about her performance. This incident reveals the strained family dynamics and lack of support Autumn experiences at home. It also highlights the tension between Autumn and her stepfather, which contributes to her feeling unable to seek help from her family regarding her pregnancy.

• ted stepfather
• family tension
• autumn's home life
• dismissive behavior

While Autumn and Skylar wait for the clinic to open the next day, they spend time exploring the city. Skylar plays arcade games as a way to distract herself from their stressful situation. This scene provides brief moments of normal teenage behavior amid their difficult journey, showing how they cope with anxiety through simple distractions.

• arcade scene
• skylar games
• waiting in new york
• coping mechanism

At the bowling alley, Autumn eventually joins in for a karaoke session, performing a song despite the emotional turmoil she's experiencing. This moment represents a brief release of her pent-up emotions and demonstrates her courage to put herself forward even while feeling exposed. It serves as a cathartic moment before the final stage of her journey.

• karaoke performance
• autumn sings
• emotional release
• bowling alley scene

During their chaotic night in New York, Skylar shares a tender kiss with Jasper, the older boy they met. This moment shows Skylar seeking a connection and distraction from the stressful situation, while also revealing her vulnerability. The kiss creates an awkward moment for Autumn, who is already dealing with intense emotional strain, highlighting the complex dynamics between the three characters.

• skylar kiss
• jaspar connection
• romantic moment
• autumn's feelings