Marcus sat quietly in the hospital waiting room, holding a bouquet of wilted flowers. He hadn’t seen his father in ten years — not since their last falling out.

Back then, Marcus had stormed out, saying things he couldn’t take back. His pride kept him away. But now… his father had suffered a stroke. And suddenly, all that anger seemed like water under the bridge.

The nurse approached. “You can see him now.”

Marcus walked in, heart pounding. His father looked older, frailer — but when their eyes met, something changed.

“I didn’t think you’d come,” his father croaked.

Marcus shrugged. “Better late than never, right?”

His dad smiled faintly. “You always were stubborn as a mule.”

Marcus chuckled. “Guess I got that from you.”

They sat in silence for a moment. Then his father reached out and patted his hand. “Let’s bury the hatchet, son.”

Marcus nodded, eyes watery. “Yeah. I think it’s time to turn over a new leaf.”

Idioms Used in the Story

1. Falling out

Meaning: A disagreement or argument that ends a relationship.
Examples:

They had a falling out and haven’t spoken in years.

The two friends had a falling out over money.

2. Water under the bridge

Meaning: Past events that are no longer important or worth arguing about.
Examples:

Don’t worry about that fight — it’s water under the bridge.

What happened in college is water under the bridge now.

3. Better late than never

Meaning: It’s better to do something late than not at all.
Examples:

He finally apologized — better late than never.

I just started saving money, but better late than never.

4. Stubborn as a mule

Meaning: Very stubborn and unwilling to change.
Examples:

My brother is stubborn as a mule when it comes to dieting.

She’s as stubborn as a mule — you can’t change her mind.

5. Bury the hatchet

Meaning: To end a conflict and make peace.
Examples:

After years of fighting, they finally buried the hatchet.

Let’s bury the hatchet and move on.