Too Real

2026-05-01 12:47 UTC

Anyone had to take a break from reading something because it reminded them too much of their childhood? I remember being terrified every time I had to complete a task for my parents involving strangers (usually shopkeepers) because I would practice what I was going to say but there would always be something that went off-script. They wouldn’t have the thing but would send me to some other person who might, or the price would be wrong or there would be a buy one get one free deal and I would have to explain why I had bought two home. Anyway on a recommendation I started reading a story about a girl who was an unsanctioned archmage and had to hide the fact, I was not expecting the protagonist to have mild ASD and unlock a bunch of childhood memories every other chapter. Story is Archmage Coefficient if you are curious, although I’m only at ch. 7 so I can’t promise anything about later chapters.

Replies (9)

@randomdeadguy@lemmy.world 2026-05-01 14:05

Oh man. I thought everybody did this. Does an NT not predict consequences in real time? Do they not make contingency scripts on the way to the market? Also, of course this is a story about masking latent powers lol awesome

Open ##2537282
@IAmNorRealTakeYourMeds@lemmy.world 2026-05-01 13:46

I didn't ask to be called out like that this morning

Open ##2537283
@Beth@piefed.social 2026-05-02 13:11

Had to develop some strategies for this: “What is your second choice. And if neither is available?” Worked wonders tbh.

Open ##2537284
@Rhaedas@fedia.io 2026-05-01 16:12

Is it unreasonable to not have a few what-ifs in situations like this? My SO gets annoyed when I build up a tree of conditions, but why not be prepared, as it's possible things aren't as perfect as assumed. Also, my mind in reading that passage kept thinking, if this is the only source for fish, then get what they have, but can't you get two smaller ones for the same price (they usually are sold by weight, afaik)? Maybe being too analytical of a fiction piece is a sign of something...

Open ##2537285
@ericwdhs@discuss.online 2026-05-01 14:26

I've had to take breaks from reading things that were too relatable in order to process them, but I can't remember anything like that particular to ASD and childhood at the moment. Then again, I can't say I've read many stories with an ASD protagonist at all. Maybe I should fix that, so thanks for the reading recommendation. Anyway, my brain was so used to contingency planning I don't think this particular situation ever happened to me. I would have immediately flagged it and asked, "What should I do if they don't have trout?, then asked a bunch of followup questions for acceptable other items, alternative places to check, etc. until I either had an acceptably thorough decision tree or annoyed the other person into giving up or understanding that they might not get what they want if reality doesn't comply.

Open ##2537286
@BradleyUffner@lemmy.world 2026-05-02 22:22

What happens next?! Don't leave us hanging!

Open ##2537287
@Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works 2026-05-01 17:15

Seems to me that fish-seller is pushing the salt fish. Is there not another kind of substitute fish which might be less expensive? So that she could bring home enough for a proper dinner?

Open ##2537288
@basxto@discuss.tchncs.de 2026-05-06 00:11

That reminds me that when I write a shopping list with specific items, I expect them to bring nothing if they can’t find it or it’s out of stock. Not a similar wrong thing.

Open ##2537289
@possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 2026-05-02 14:48

*childhood trauma intensifies*

Open ##2537290