This morning was no different, except today was important. Today, she was meeting her idol, the renowned chef, Amelia Stone, for a once-in-a-lifetime interview.
She burst out the door, apologizing profusely to the startled barista who had been forced to hand her a lukewarm latte. Her stomach churned with anxiety. She knew Amelia valued punctuality.
But the city had other plans. Traffic snarled, horns blared, and every second felt like an eternity. When she finally arrived at the restaurant, her breath catching in her throat, she was fifteen minutes late.
Amelia, however, was waiting with a warm smile. "I was just admiring your view from the balcony," she said, gesturing to the bustling city below. "Don't worry, you're still early for me."
Eleanor, stunned, stammered out an apology, but Amelia only chuckled. "Punctuality is important, yes, but it's not everything. Sometimes, life throws you a curveball, and you have to learn to adapt and move forward."
Eleanor realized Amelia wasn't just a brilliant chef; she was a woman who understood the ebb and flow of life. And though she still strived to be on time, she learned that sometimes, it's okay to be a little late. What mattered more was to be present, to be prepared, and to embrace the unexpected.