My first boyfriend ended things ~90 days after our first kiss, 60 days after my dad’s cancer diagnosis, seven days after the onset of pre-breakup dread, and five days before the surgery to remove my dad’s tumor — Valentine’s Day in the 7th grade.
I’m unsure of when we acquire the skill to sense imminent heartbreak but it feels like a developmental milestone.
My dad, attempting to cheer me up, rented “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” from Blockbuster and I wept in his lap that night 5,838 days ago. It’s been 3,461 days since my dad died and I’d take a heartbroken Valentine’s date with him over anything.