It is strange all the things that get stuck in our memories over the years. Today is the anniversary of one of the most painful and important days of my life. And yet, after 18 years, the exact events of the day are hardly worth mentioning. The only real significance they have is fodder for the fan fiction I've been presenting on these pages.
It was 18 years ago today that the real life Rebecca (i.e. the person on whom the Rebecca character is based) walked out of my life and broke my heart. As I said, the exact events of the day are little more than fodder for this story, but for those curious, the events in Chapter 3 are almost an exact play-by-play of that fateful day, even down to the wording of her final letter and our phone conversation.
I remember the events as a historian might look back on some event in history. Their emotional impact has long faded away. Well, mostly. You put Pictures of You by the Cure on the radio for me and it's October 16, 1992 all over again. That's probably the only time I ever feel that day as opposed to merely remember it.
But for the most part, none of what happened that day really matters anymore. Yes, it was the catalyst that eventually brought me to my chosen vocation. But I've since married a wonderful woman named Sarah, who brought with her a lovely little girl I am proud to call my daughter. I have everything Michael believed he could never have.
Oh, and as for "Rebecca" herself. Our modern era being what it is, I now count her among my Facebook friends. I'm eagerly looking forward to seeing her face-to-face again, along with the new boyfriend who's made her so happy these past few years. She's actually prettier now in her 30s than she was in her teens, but that ship has sailed.
So I'm going to give Pictures of You a listen to and dedicate it to that fateful day nearly 20 years ago now when I could have become Michael, but instead ended up here.
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