Better Late

Than Never

Michael was always late for everything. He was late being born and had to be evicted from his tenancy in a comfy womb by a very fed up Mother, aided by a Doctor and some determined midwives.

This trait followed Michael throughout his young life, late for school, late getting his homework done, and horror of horrors late for his final exams which he did pass with distinction. However, with sandy hair and a cheeky grin, Michael could pull it off and be usually forgiven by all around him. He was in fact an extremely likeable chap.

And then Michael went into employment. Michael ran his working life with the motto “it's not what time I arrive, it's what I achieve whilst I’m here that counts”. He’d often arrive at the office doors grinning and happily saying “I’m here, better late than never”. Some of Michael’s co-workers did privately wish that Michael arrived somewhat earlier than later but just smiled and nodded as he came through the door.

Into his late twenties, Michael’s thoughts turned to finding a partner. He’d tried numerous dates but nothing had worked out. The one he was meeting tonight looked promising. She was very pretty and had spoken to him several times on the phone. She was called Sarah. Michael was excited about this one and arrived at the restaurant they had agreed to meet at.

Late.

He came through the doors of the restaurant ready with apologies and was directed to his table by the waiter. There was nobody at the table. No Sarah in sight. Michael decided to make the best of things, sat down, and ordered a drink.

Still no Sarah.

Michael started to get a bit anxious, had he been stood up? Had she forgotten? Or was she late?

About half an hour later a very pretty but flustered lady squeezed into the seat opposite him. She’d arrived. Sarah apologized profusely for being late and ordered herself a drink.

The evening went well and they agreed to see each other and meet up again. Michael and Sarah were a very good match for each other.

Fast forward to five years. Michael and Sarah have now married and Sarah is pregnant with her first child, a son they have already named Harvey.

Like father like son, little Harvey is very comfortable in Mummy’s tummy and he is six days.

Late.

But as his Father before him Harvey will be drawn into this world by his mother, a determined Doctor, and an army of midwives.

And as a Father cradles his newborn son in his arms he will say to him “better late than never”.

The world turns but everything remains the same.

I don’t really write fiction but I really enjoyed this #catchphrase challenge. Many thanks to Stuart Englander and Tree Langdon