In a world where punctuality reigns supreme, a 47-year-old man found himself at a crossroads. He stood in the bustling terminal, waiting for a wife who seemed to have a penchant for Starbucks and tardiness. The stakes were high, and it was the second time she had jeopardized their flight. He decided he couldn’t wait any longer.
Their daughter, Jess, was pursuing her advanced degree in a distant state. Family gatherings were rare occasions for them to bond, and Jess cherished those moments. So, when they planned a visit, the anticipation was palpable.
However, traveling as a couple had become an ordeal. The man was meticulous, valuing order and punctuality above all else. He believed in getting an early start to anticipate any unforeseen obstacles. His wife, on the other hand, was the embodiment of “go with the flow.”
Trouble began brewing when they failed to catch their flight not once, but twice, on their way to see Jess. The previous year, they had booked a 10 a.m. flight, and the man insisted on leaving home by 8 a.m., considering their 30-minute commute to the airport. He even accounted for the time it would take to park and make their way to the boarding area. On that fateful day, he awoke at 6 a.m., double-checking every detail. He attempted to rouse his wife several times, to no avail.
Little did they know, the airport was swarming with travelers, and the security lines were longer than anticipated. Their tardiness led to a missed flight, and the airline refused to refund their tickets.
The man swiftly secured new tickets for the following day, but this meant sacrificing almost an entire day with their disappointed daughter. “Jess was undoubtedly let down,” the man confessed.