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036 · 8 panels

The Time You Wait

Beside the time absorbed in her work was someone else's time already prepared.

Inspired by a source · Creative adaptationNo sign-up · All stories free
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Jin would prepare the materials, and Ara would come after finishing her work.
Ara

Let's fit the display frame together at this time tomorrow.

Jin would prepare the materials, and Ara would come after finishing her work.

After one detail was fixed, another caught her eye.
Story

The next day, Ara was adjusting the final lines of a guide design.

After one detail was fixed, another caught her eye.

Jin also had plans after their appointment.
Jin

The materials are ready. Does our agreed time still work?

Jin also had plans after their appointment.

The message helped her see both her own work and Jin's preparation.
Ara

At this rate, I won't make it on time.

The message helped her see both her own work and Jin's preparation.

She explained the situation before arriving late.
Ara

It looks like I'll finish late. I'm sorry. Can we change today's time?

She explained the situation before arriving late.

Jin stated his own schedule clearly, too.
Jin

I have another plan soon. I can't keep waiting today.

Jin stated his own schedule clearly, too.

They changed the plan without tying up the rest of his day.
Ara

Then let's choose another day that works for us both. I'll check the storage for the materials.

They changed the plan without tying up the rest of his day.

Their shared time also included the preparation of the person who would wait.
Story

On the new date, Ara wrapped up her work and arrived on time.

Their shared time also included the preparation of the person who would wait.

A thought from the Talmud

Remember the other person's time, even when you are absorbed in your own work.

The source idea in our own words · Not a direct quotation

Ketubot 62b:3–4 · Read the source ↗

A lesson for today

When you are focused, a time agreed with someone else can slip from view. If plans need changing, tell them as early as possible and ask about their preparation and next commitments. Rather than asking them to keep waiting, agree together on a time that works for both of you.

A modern interpretation for this story

A question to take with you

When my schedule changes, how early do I let the person waiting for our plan know?

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About the source and this adaptation

Ketubot 62b:3–4 tells, within a religious discussion of long absences, a tragedy in which Rehumi remains absorbed in study on his expected day home while his wife waits. This fictional shared-work appointment draws on caring about the waiting person's time. Jin, Ara, the calls, rescheduling and dialogue are invented. In this modern adaptation, the source's death is neither reenacted nor used as a rule that tears cause punishment or that one person must sacrifice their plans. The adaptation does not justify gendered sacrifice or control over another person.

Read the source ↗

AI-generated artwork · Creative adaptation

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