It’s interesting, sometimes, how we use the above expression to explain away experiences that range from the surreal to the mundane. In this instance, it’s about relationships both real and fictional.
Perhaps it’s because I saw it coming for some time. The fact is, there was this gap between my girlfriend and I since July that never quite closed despite efforts. Maybe it was that, maybe it was the fact I understand relationships and people more than I like to admit, but my real-life break-up that just occurred was eerily similar to the one I wrote for Minerva about a week ago. Although, in this case, my ex is Minerva.
I should mention that I’m working on a second book, the follow-up to Indelibly, and in it, Minerva experiences a poignant break-up with her girlfriend (years before she meets Lucien). The break-up happens because Minerva is tired of trying to continue maintaining a relationship that is basically one-sided, which is something I was consciously struggling with in real life. Despite us trying to communicate better (a massive issue that led to a break last summer), it seemed like there was always some kind of disconnect. I’m a very literal person – I say what I mean and mean what I say. I don’t typically couch my language to be polite or less blunt, especially with loved ones.
To be honest, I had considered breaking up with my now ex shortly after my last birthday. We had a disagreement that was handled in a way that put me off. But we talked it through and planned to see each other; things kind of went back to normal. Or so I thought. Until December, when that disconnect grew for some reason that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. I felt like I was trying to make something work when the pieces didn’t even fit together properly. So, the break-up wasn’t surprising or unexpected when it happened. I’d felt it coming for weeks. It’s just the timing couldn’t have been more coincidental.
Eliza Nix 