Just Wanted to Clock In

Thursday mornings are department meeting times. Due to rule changes, only those who need to attend go, otherwise, we have to wait for the first Thursday of every month when everyone goes. It was raining heavily today. I missed the 7:30 train and had to wait for the 8:00 one. While waiting, I was just thinking about what kind of leave I should request later. Near my workplace, it was already past 8 AM, so I hurried. On the way, I ran into colleague A from my department. A: Just go straight to the meeting. Me: But I haven't clocked in yet. A: Come on, let's go. Me: It's okay (thinking: I don't have to go to the meeting today, he must be joking). I ran into colleagues B and C the second time. B: Let's go, just head straight to the meeting. Me: But I haven't clocked in yet. B: Just ask someone else to do it for you. Me: It's fine. Me (thinking: They must be joking). The third time I met colleague D and a group of people. Oh no, it seems like everyone has to go today. I completely forgot and kept thinking about going back to clock in and taking leave. So I just walked to the meeting with D's group. I'm so used to them joking around that I didn't realize this time it wasn't a joke. Haha