I think it was in the way I was raised. Always show up on time to the very minute, every time. Anything less is disrespectful. If I say I’m going to a thing, I have to go, otherwise it’s me insulting my friends.

However, my only plan for the last six days has been to recover from the flu, and I can’t be late to that. It’s here and it’s now and I resemble the lady in your picture.

I get both disappointment and relief. Also anxiety.