In the quote from A History of Loneliness by John Boyne, the speaker reflects on the subconscious awareness of losing something important. They admit that at the moment of loss, they didn't realize what was slipping away, highlighting how people often don't realize the significance of something until it is no longer part of their life.

The statement suggests an element of regret and the universal experience of taking things for granted. It emphasizes how the true value of something only becomes clear in hindsight, resonating with the idea that people often do not appreciate what they have until it is gone.